The Etymology of Numbers: A Journey Through Language and Mathematics

The question of why we call numbers characters is a fascinating one. However, it's important to clarify that numbers can indeed be represented 'by letters' just as easily as by digits, as the digit form serves as a more compact and convenient way to express them. For example, the number '3784' is equivalent to 'three thousand seven hundred eighty-four', but the numerical form is more succinct and easier to write and understand. Additionally, it is much easier to perform arithmetic operations with digits rather than verbal representations.

Numbers and Characters

Numbers and characters are both essential in human communication and computation. While numbers are typically represented by digits, they can also be expressed in letters. For instance, the number '3784' in digits can be read aloud as 'three thousand seven hundred eighty-four'. Both representations serve different purposes, with digit form being more efficient for both writing and mathematical operations.

The Etymology of Numbers in Different Languages

While Indo-European etymology isn't my expertise, I have some knowledge about Hebrew etymology. The names of numbers in this language are derived from specific verbs, providing interesting insights into the origins of these numerical terms.

One - EChad

The word for 'one' in Hebrew, EChad, comes from the verb 'to be sharp-pointed.' This etymology evokes the imagery of a single point or a distinct entity. The term 'EChad' implies a singular, sharper, and more defined sense of existence.

Two - Sh’NaiM

The term for 'two' in Hebrew, Sh’NaiM, means 'repeated sharpened.' This reflects the idea of two instances being sharp, distinct, and repeated, suggesting a duality or repetition of a single sharp entity.

Three - ShaLoSh

ShaLoSh, the Hebrew word for 'three,' is derived from a verb meaning 'dangling suspended.' This term reflects a natural gesture where three fingers might be used to pick something up, suggesting a more complex and flexible arrangement of entities compared to two.

Four - /aRBa

The word for 'four' in Hebrew, /aRBa, suggests a process of 'bigger spread out in all directions.' This term evokes the idea of four points of dispersion or expansion in various directions, representing a broader and more diffuse arrangement.

Five - ChaMaeSh

ChaMaeSh, meaning 'grabbing with five fingers,' comes from the verb 'MooSh,' which means 'grab' or 'groping.' This etymology suggests an action of grabbing or holding with multiple points of contact, reflecting the concrete idea of having five distinct fingers.

Six - ShaeSh

The term for 'six' in Hebrew, ShaeSh, means 'carry over to the other hand.' This term reflects an action where six is seen as needing to be transferred or carried to the other hand, implying a transitional process.

Seven - Sheva

Sheva, the Hebrew word for 'seven,' is derived from a verb meaning 'seeking eight.' This term suggests a pursuit or the desire to reach or attain the next number, indicating a sense of completeness or progression.

Eight - Sh’MoNeh

Sh’MoNeh, the Hebrew word for 'eight,' is derived from the word for 'oil' Shemen, which means 'spreading out.' This etymology suggests a process of expansion or outreach, like the spreading of oil over a surface.

Nine - TaeSha

The term for 'nine' in Hebrew, TaeSha, means 'leaning toward ten.' This term reflects a tendency or inclination to approach the next whole number, indicating a near-completion or near-perfection.

Ten - aSaR

aSaR, the Hebrew term for 'ten,' means 'rich, wealthy, well supported, able to give a tithe/tenth.' This etymology suggests a state of abundance and contribution, representing a significant and complete number.

By understanding the etymology of numbers, we can gain deeper insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the way we think about and use these fundamental elements of mathematics. These etymologies not only reveal the linguistic roots of numbers but also offer a rich tapestry of imagery and meaning behind these numerical concepts.