Definition of Four
Quick Meaning of Four
The number that comes after three and before five.
Detailed Definition of Four
The number 4; a quantity of four items or people.
How to Pronounce Four
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'door' and 'more'. One syllable.
Watch out: Homophones confuse four with for or fore phonetically.
Origin and Etymology of Four
From Old English feower, Proto-Germanic *fēwuraz.
How to Use Four in a Sentence
Each example shows “four” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I have four apples in my bag.”
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“There are four people in our study group.”
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“The recipe calls for four cups of flour.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Four
Common Synonyms for Four
Smart Synonyms for Four — When to Use Each
- quartet
- for groups of four people, musicians
- quadruplet
- for four children born together
- tetrad
- for any group of four items
Common Collocations with Four
These phrases pair with “four” in everyday English:
- at four o'clock
- in four days
- by four
Common Mistakes When Using Four
Even fluent speakers slip up with “four”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I have for apples.
- ✓ Correct: I have four apples.
- Why: Four is the number; for is the preposition meaning intended use.
- ✗ Wrong: Meet me in four o'clock.
- ✓ Correct: Meet me at four o'clock.
- Why: Use at (not in) for specific clock times.
Words Confused With Four
- Four vs For: four is a number; for is a preposition Compare →
- Four vs Fore: four is a number; fore means front or forward
Other Forms of Four
Frequently Asked Questions About Four
What is the meaning of "Four"?
The number that comes after three and before five.
How do you pronounce "Four"?
The IPA is /fɔːr/. Rhymes with 'door' and 'more'. One syllable.
What part of speech is "Four"?
"Four" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Four"?
Common synonyms include quartet, quadruplet, tetrad.
How do you use "Four" in a sentence?
For example: "I have four apples in my bag."