six-fifteen
UK[ˌsɪks fɪfˈtiːn]US[ˌsɪks fɪfˈtiːn]
n
A time of day, specifically fifteen minutes past six o'clock (either a.m. or p.m.).
Morpheme Breakdown
six
fifteen
six
number
fifteen
number
Etymology
The term 'six-fifteen' is a modern English compound noun formed by the straightforward combination of two cardinal numbers, 'six' and 'fifteen', following the Germanic pattern of time-telling. Both components trace back to ancient numeral systems: 'six' derives from the Proto-Indo-European root 's(w)eks', while 'fifteen' combines the roots for 'five' ('penkwe') and 'ten' ('dekm'). The logic of the compound is purely denotative, specifying the exact hour and minute with no metaphorical evolution. This analytical, numerical method of denoting time reflects a practical, modern convention rather than a word with a deep etymological narrative of semantic change.
Analysis
Structure: six (number) + fifteen (number)
- six: From Old English 'siex', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'zes' and German 'sechs', from an Indo-European root shared by Latin 'sex' and Greek 'hex'. Functions as the cardinal number 6.
- fifteen: From Old English 'fīftīene', from 'fīf' (five) + 'tīene' (a form of ten). The first element is from Proto-Germanic 'fimf', from Proto-Indo-European 'penkwe'. The second element is from Proto-Germanic 'tehun', from Proto-Indo-European 'dekm'. Functions as the cardinal number 15.
Examples
My train is scheduled to arrive at six-fifteen in the evening.
We have a conference call scheduled for six-fifteen tomorrow morning.
The movie starts at six-fifteen, so we should leave by five-thirty.