English Meaning & Definitions
The number seventy, traditionally used as the typical length of a human lifetime.
- “Having reached threescore and ten, he decided to retire and write his memoirs.”
- “She lived a vibrant life well past threescore and ten.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “threescore and ten”.
Derived from the traditional counting system by scores (a score equals twenty). Therefore, 'three score' equals sixty, and 'and ten' makes seventy. The phrase originates from the King James Bible, specifically Psalm 90:10: 'The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow.' Historically, it became a common poetic or formal idiom representing the traditional expected lifespan of a human being.
Remember that a 'score' is 20. Three scores = 60, plus 10 = 70 years, representing a normal human lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions About “threescore and ten”
1. What is the meaning of “threescore and ten” in English?
In English, threescore and ten (noun) is defined as: “The number seventy, traditionally used as the typical length of a human lifetime.”.
2. How do you use “threescore and ten” in a sentence?
“Having reached threescore and ten, he decided to retire and write his memoirs.”
3. What are English synonyms of “threescore and ten”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “threescore and ten”?
Derived from the traditional counting system by scores (a score equals twenty). Therefore, 'three score' equals sixty, and 'and ten' makes seventy. The phrase originates from the King James Bible, specifically Psalm 90:10: 'The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow.' Historically, it became a common poetic or formal idiom representing the traditional expected lifespan of a human being.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.