What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tertius
Example
Tertius was the last of the three brothers to arrive at the party. [tertius: adjective]
Example
The doctor explained that the tertius bone was located in the foot. [tertius: noun]
third
Example
I am the third child in my family. [third: adjective]
Example
The third car in the line was a red convertible. [third: noun]
Example
One third of the pizza was left for me to eat. [third: fraction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Third is much more commonly used than tertius in everyday language. Third is a common word used in many contexts, while tertius is less common and typically used in specific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tertius and third?
Tertius may carry a more formal or technical connotation due to its usage in specific fields, while third is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
