What does sixteenthly mean?
“Sixteenthly” is an adverb used when something is the sixteenth item in a series or sequence. It corresponds to the ordinal adjective “sixteenth,” but its function is specifically to mark position in an enumeration: “Sixteenthly, the committee approved the amendment.” The word is grammatically straightforward but stylistically formal, and in ordinary conversation people are more likely to say “in sixteenth place” or “next, the amendment was approved.” It is especially useful in speeches, parliamentary-style procedures, formal rankings, and other settings where items are counted carefully. The related form “sixteenth” serves as both an adjective and a noun, so choosing “sixteenthly” depends on whether the intention is to identify the item itself or to introduce its position in the list.
adverbIn the position corresponding to the sixteenth in an ordered series, especially when counting items one by one.
- In the sixteenth position in a sequence or enumeration.
"Sixteenthly, the survey found that most participants preferred the later design."
"Sixteenthly, the committee recommended a second review of the proposal."
"The finalists were announced, and sixteenthly came the name of the youngest competitor."
Ordinal words can be made into adverbs with “-ly,” but the resulting forms often sound especially formal: “sixteenthly” belongs more readily to a formal list than to everyday conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sixteenthly come from?
“Sixteenthly” is formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to the ordinal “sixteenth.” “Sixteenth” in turn belongs to the English numeral family based on “sixteen,” whose historical development ultimately reflects the Germanic numeral represented by Proto-Germanic *sehs, as well as the related form “sixty.” The construction with “-ly” follows the regular English pattern in which ordinal adjectives can become adverbs marking order.
Related word forms
How sixteenthly is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon alternative to saying “in sixteenth place.” It is most natural in spoken or written enumerations of many items.
Easily confused with sixteenthly
“Sixteenth” is an adjective or noun, while “sixteenthly” is an adverb used to introduce the sixteenth item in a sequence.