-ste

Afrikaans

Etymology 1

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Suffix

-ste

1. plural of -s

Etymology 2

Inherited from Dutch -st.

Suffix

-ste

1. -st; Appended to an adjective to form the superlative.

   ‎vreemd (“strange”) + ‎-ste → ‎vreemdste (“strangest”)

Etymology 3

Inherited from Dutch -ste.

Suffix

-ste

1. -st, -th, -nd; Forms ordinal numbers from cardinal numbers.

   ‎agt + ‎-ste → ‎agtste

   ‎twintig + ‎-ste → ‎twintigste

Usage notes

The ordinal numbers eerste (“first”) and agtste (“eighth”) are formed with this suffix, as well as ordinals of numbers 20 and above. The ordinals of numbers 2-19 are formed with -de.

The suffix can also be written after a number written in digits (8ste, 20ste).

Coordinate terms

• -de

Dutch

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /stə/

Suffix

-ste

1. Forms ordinal numbers from cardinal numbers.

   Synonyms: -e, -de

   ‎acht + ‎-ste → ‎achtste

   ‎twintig + ‎-ste → ‎twintigste

Usage notes

The ordinal numbers eerste and achtste are formed with this suffix, as well as ordinals of numbers 20 and above. The ordinals of most numbers 1-19 are formed with -de.

The suffix can also be written after a number written in digits (8ste, 20ste). The e is sometimes written in superscript, like in French (8^ste, 20^ste), but this is discouraged by the Dutch Language Union.

German

Suffix

-ste

1. -th, -nd etc; Used to form the ordinal form of a cardinal number

Derived terms

German terms suffixed with -ste