Eight Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/eɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Number

Definition

The number 8, a numerical value that comes after seven and before nine.

Examples

• She has eight siblings.
• The clock struck eight in the morning.

Synonyms

• Octet
• Octic

Antonyms

• Less than Eight
• More than Eight

Additional Information

The number eight has various meanings across cultures and disciplines. In mathematics, it is an even number that plays a significant role in calculations and operations. In Eastern cultures, eight is considered a lucky number, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. In Western cultures, eight is often associated with the concept of symmetry and balance. The number eight also has spiritual significance in many belief systems, representing renewal, abundance, and infinite possibilities.

In language, eight is often used to describe groups or collections of items, such as an octave in music or an octet in literature. The number eight is also used to represent a sense of completion or perfection, as in the concept of the eighth day of creation in biblical theology.

Throughout history, the number eight has appeared in various forms and contexts. It is said to be the number of completion and abundance in the ancient Chinese I Ching, while in ancient Greece, it was the number of harmony and balance. In modern times, eight is often used in business and finance to represent stability and growth.

Etymology

The word “eight” comes from the Old English word “eahta”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*ahto” and the Proto-Indo-European root “*oxtowé-” meaning “twice four”.

Usage Notes

When writing or typing, the number eight is often confused with the letter “B” or the number “0”. It is essential to use the correct character to avoid confusion or errors.

Cultural References

• The Eightfold Path in Buddhism represents a set of principles for achieving enlightenment.
• In music, an octave consists of eight notes, with the eighth note being an octave higher than the first note.
• The Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology are a group of deities who achieved immortality through their virtues and good deeds.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Eight out of ten people agreed on the proposal.
• It took her eight attempts to pass the exam.
• The eight o’clock news aired on television.

Related Words or Phrases

• Octave
• Octet
• Eightfold

Collocations

• Eight o’clock
• Eight days a week
• Eighty percent

Frequency of Use

The word “eight” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in mathematics, time-telling, and counting. It is estimated that the word “eight” is used approximately 1.5% of the time in written and spoken language.

Common Misspellings

• Aight
• Eighty (when referring to the number eight)
• 8 (when written in numeral form)