Definition and meaning of English word "one"
one
/wʌn/
Meaning
NumeralThe number represented by the Arabic numeral 1; the numerical value equal to that cardinal number.
How to use
In English, 'one' is a fundamental numeral used to represent a single unit of quantity or measurement. It's commonly used in counting, fractions, and mathematical operations. For example, 'I have one book on the shelf' or 'The recipe requires one cup of flour.' However, learners often confuse 'one' with 'a' or 'an,' which can change the meaning of the sentence. For instance, 'I have a book on the shelf' implies possession, whereas 'I have one book on the shelf' emphasizes the quantity.
🇬🇧 English
one
Example
I have one book
She eats one apple
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- one at a time— in a sequence of one item at a time
- one of a kind— being the only one of its kind
- one of the best— being among the top few
- one to one— a direct and personal relationship
- one way or another— in any case or manner
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #240 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "one" mean?▼
The English word "one" means "one" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "one"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "one" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "one"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Single item" (which translates as "one").
More Adverbs & Numbers words
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