How to Pronounce 1st

Meaning and Context

The term "1st" is the standard written abbreviation for the ordinal number "first," representing the premier position in any sequential order, the highest rank in a competitive hierarchy, or the initial occurrence in a chronological series. Its application is profoundly universal, appearing in contexts ranging from historical dates (e.g., the 1st of January) and academic honors (graduating 1st in class) to prestigious titles (1st Duke of Wellington) and competitive achievements (finishing 1st place in a race). This notation is integral to data organization, record-keeping, and ceremonial designations, serving as a fundamental linguistic and symbolic marker of priority, excellence, and primacy across cultures and disciplines. In digital content and search engine optimization, key phrases such as "1st place," "1st edition," "1st birthday," and "1st anniversary" are highly sought after, reflecting its central role in commemorating milestones and achievements.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling is the numeral followed by the suffix: "1st." Common errors and variations arise from phonetic confusion or typographical slips. A frequent misspelling is "1rst," which incorrectly inserts an 'r' after the numeral, likely due to overemphasis of the 'r' sound in the spoken word "first." Another occasional typo is "1stt" or "1st," with a doubled or stray letter. In purely textual contexts, especially formal writing, the word is often spelled out fully as "first," which is never considered incorrect and is sometimes preferred for clarity. It is also important to distinguish "1st" from the similar-looking "1st" when used in superscript, as in 1^st^, which is a stylistic variation rather than a different spelling.

Example Sentences

Winning 1st prize at the science fair validated months of meticulous research and experimentation.

The treaty was formally signed on the 1st of October, marking a new era of diplomacy between the nations.

In the 1st edition of the novel, the author's original preface provides invaluable insight into her creative process.

She was the 1st woman in her family to attend medical school, breaking a long-standing tradition.

The 1st chapter of any book is crucial for hooking the reader's attention and establishing the narrative tone.

After a grueling season, the underdog team managed to secure 1st place in the league standings.

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