A1 noun Neutral

decimal

/ˈdes.ɪ.məl/

A decimal is a number that uses a dot to show parts of a whole. It is based on the number ten and helps show values smaller than one.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The price of the bread is 1.50 in decimal form.

The price of the bread is 1.50 in decimal form.

2

Please write the result as a decimal to two places.

Please write the result as a decimal to two places.

3

Don't forget to put the dot in the decimal!

Don't forget to put the dot in the decimal!

Word Family

Noun
decimal
Verb
decimalize
Adverb
decimally
Adjective
decimal
Related
decimalization
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Memory Tip

Remember 'dec' means ten. Just like a decade has 10 years, a decimal system is based on 10.

Quick Quiz

The number 0.75 is a ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: decimal

Examples

1

The price of the bread is 1.50 in decimal form.

everyday

The price of the bread is 1.50 in decimal form.

2

Please write the result as a decimal to two places.

formal

Please write the result as a decimal to two places.

3

Don't forget to put the dot in the decimal!

informal

Don't forget to put the dot in the decimal!

4

In science, a decimal is used to show very exact measurements.

academic

In science, a decimal is used to show very exact measurements.

5

Our profits increased by a small decimal this month.

business

Our profits increased by a small decimal this month.

Word Family

Noun
decimal
Verb
decimalize
Adverb
decimally
Adjective
decimal
Related
decimalization

Common Collocations

decimal point decimal point
decimal place decimal place
decimal system decimal system
recurring decimal recurring decimal
convert to decimal convert to decimal

Common Phrases

to two decimal places

to two decimal places

decimal fraction

decimal fraction

move the decimal

move the decimal

Often Confused With

decimal vs decibel

A decimal is a number, while a decibel is a unit used to measure the power of a sound.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'decimal' can be used as both a noun (the number itself) and an adjective (relating to the system of tens).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that in English, we use a point (.) for decimals, not a comma (,).

💡

Memory Tip

Remember 'dec' means ten. Just like a decade has 10 years, a decimal system is based on 10.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'decimus', which means 'tenth'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural form: decimals often follows 'to' when indicating precision (e.g., to three decimals)
🌍

Cultural Context

While English-speaking countries use a dot for decimals, many other cultures use a comma as the decimal separator.

Quick Quiz

The number 0.75 is a ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: decimal

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B2

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A1

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momentum

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magnetism

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radiation

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wavelength

A1

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optics

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thermodynamics

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A1

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A1

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