numberordinal

A number ordinal is a word or symbol that indicates position or order in a sequence. Unlike cardinal numbers which express quantity, ordinals denote rank. Examples include first, second, third, and so on. In written form, these are often represented by numerals followed by specific suffixes, such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Larger numbers also follow this pattern, for instance, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. In some languages, the ordinal concept is expressed through inflection of the cardinal number.

The primary function of number ordinals is to establish precedence or a place within a set. They are crucial in contexts such as identifying the order of competitors in a race, the date of the month (e.g., the fifth of May), or the sequence of events. The grammatical distinction between cardinal and ordinal numbers is fundamental in many languages. The concept of ordinality extends beyond simple counting; it implies a structured arrangement where each element has a unique position relative to others.