2nd

2nd is the abbreviated ordinal form of the number two in English, used to indicate position in a sequence or ranking. It functions as the shortened equivalent of "the second" and appears after numerals in lists, dates, and other ordinal contexts. When written as a word, the corresponding form is "second."

In English, ordinals are typically formed with suffixes that attach to the cardinal number. For the number 2, the suffix is -nd, yielding 2nd. This pattern follows the general rule that numbers ending in 1 use -st, ending in 2 use -nd, ending in 3 use -rd, and all others use -th, with exceptions for 11th, 12th, and 13th (which take -th). Examples include 2nd, 22nd, and 102nd.

Common uses of 2nd include indicating order in dates (the 2nd of February), describing positions in competitions or rankings (second place), and naming or distinguishing versions or editions (the 2nd edition, the 2nd season). It also appears in proper nouns and unit designations, such as military units named with ordinal numbers (the 2nd Infantry Division) or in other formal titles.

Linguistic notes: "2nd" corresponds to the English word "second." In prose, authors may spell out the word to avoid ambiguity or when a formal tone is desired. Style guides differ on whether to use numerals with the ordinal suffix or to write out ordinals in full, especially in different contexts such as journalism, academia, or publishing.

Overall, 2nd is a compact, widely used marker of sequence that aligns with English ordinal conventions and adapts to various formal and informal contexts.