four
UK[fɔː]US[fɔːr]
n
The number equivalent to the sum of three and one; one more than three.
Etymology
The word 'four' has a deep and stable lineage, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root 'kʷetwóres'. This ancient root evolved into the Proto-Germanic 'fedwōr', which then became Old English 'fēower'. Through the regular sound changes of the English language, such as the loss of the final 'r' in some contexts and the Great Vowel Shift affecting the vowel, the spelling and pronunciation simplified to the modern 'four'. Its meaning as the cardinal number following three has remained remarkably consistent throughout its several-thousand-year journey from its Indo-European ancestor.
Analysis
The word is a simplex, derived from Old English 'fēower', which in turn comes from Proto-Germanic 'fedwōr' and Proto-Indo-European 'kʷetwóres'.
Examples
The table has four sturdy legs.
She divided the cake into four equal parts.
Please turn to chapter four of the textbook.