What does seventeenthly mean?
“Seventeenthly” is an adverb meaning in the seventeenth place in a sequence or enumeration. It is formed from the ordinal number “seventeenth” by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly.” The word is especially associated with formal lists, parliamentary or committee-style speech, reports, and discussions in which many points or positions are presented consecutively. For example, a speaker might say “Seventeenthly, the proposal addresses staff training” while moving through a long agenda. Its meaning is precise but its register is more elaborate than that of everyday alternatives such as “seventeenth” or “next.” Because it is uncommon and context-dependent, it can sound slightly unusual unless the enumeration itself is lengthy or deliberately systematic. The form is understood in standard British and American English and is useful chiefly when exact ordering and formal clarity are important.
adverbIn the seventeenth place in a series or enumeration; seventeenth in order.
- In the seventeenth position in a series, list, ranking, or enumeration.
"Seventeenthly, the committee considered the proposal for a change to the timetable."
"Seventeenthly, we consider the proposal from the finance committee."
"The ranking was announced, and seventeenthly came the name of the independent candidate."
“Seventeenthly” is a precise and formal-sounding way to move to the seventeenth item in a list, though it is usually more useful in writing than in everyday conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seventeenthly come from?
The word is an adverbial derivative of “seventeenth,” which in turn combines the English number “seven” with the suffix “-teenth,” meaning “a position or ordinal related to a multiple of ten.” The numeral “seven” continues Old English “seofon,” ultimately reflecting a Germanic numeral inherited through English. The ending “-teenth” developed in Middle English from forms associated with Old English words such as “seofontīene” and reflects the inherited Germanic ordinal-forming elements. “Seventeenthly” follows the standard English method of forming adverbs from ordinal adjectives by adding “-ly.”
How seventeenthly is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon adverb, typically used when enumerating many items in a speech, report, agenda, or discussion. In ordinary conversation, “seventeenth” or a less elaborate formulation is more natural.
Easily confused with seventeenthly
“Seventeenth” is the ordinal adjective or noun identifying the seventeenth item, while “seventeenthly” is the adverb used to introduce it in a sequence.