Definition of the word sixpence

Pronunciation of vocabulary sixpence

sixpencenoun

sáu xu

/ˈsɪkspəns//ˈsɪkspəns/

Origin of the word sixpence

The origin of the word "sixpence" can be traced back to the medieval period in England. During this time, coins were used as a form of currency, and the penny (denomination of one penny) was the smallest unit. A shilling (12 pence) was worth more than a penny, and larger denominations, such as the pound (240 pence), were also used. The word "sixpence" is a compound word, where "six" refers to the number of pence in the coin, and "penny" is the unit. In other words, a sixpence was worth six pence, which was equivalent to one-eighth of a shilling. It became a common term for the coins that were valued at this denomination. Sixpence coins were first introduced in England during the reign of Elizabeth I in the late 16th century. They were made from silver and featured the monarch's head on one side and a variety of motifs on the reverse, including a lion, unicorn, or a specific design based on the reigning monarch. The use of sixpence coins continued until the decimalization of the British currency system in 1971, as part of a wider shift towards decimalization in the world. Following decimalization, the sixpence was replaced with the 2.5 pence coin, which is worth the equivalent value of 25 pence when compared to the pre-decimalization value of a sixpence. However, the term "sixpence" continues to be used colloquially in expressions such as "seeing sixpence and picking it up all the way to Tunstead's" which is a proverbial expression that signifies finding unexpected good fortune.

Vocabulary summary sixpence

typenoun

meaningsixpence; sixpence (British money)

Example of vocabulary sixpencenamespace

  • The vendor sold sixpence worth of sweets to the child.

    Người bán hàng đã bán cho đứa trẻ số kẹo trị giá sáu xu.

  • The antique store displayed a intricately designed sixpence coin from the Victorian era.

    Cửa hàng đồ cổ trưng bày một đồng xu sáu xu được thiết kế tinh xảo từ thời Victoria.

  • The band leader demanded sixpence from each member of the audience for admission to the concert.

    Người chỉ huy ban nhạc yêu cầu mỗi khán giả phải trả sáu xu để được vào xem buổi hòa nhạc.

  • The person found sixpence on the ground while walking through the park.

    Người đó tìm thấy đồng sáu xu trên mặt đất khi đang đi bộ qua công viên.

  • The university library fined the student sixpence for overdue books.

    Thư viện trường đại học đã phạt sinh viên sáu xu vì trả sách quá hạn.

  • The fairground games required sixpence to play.

    Các trò chơi ở hội chợ yêu cầu phải có sáu xu để chơi.

  • The milliner charged sixpence for each hat she made.

    Người thợ làm mũ tính sáu xu cho mỗi chiếc mũ bà làm.

  • The street performer put his hat in front of him and collected sixpence from the passersby.

    Nghệ sĩ biểu diễn đường phố đặt chiếc mũ ra phía trước và thu sáu xu từ những người qua đường.

  • The calligrapher created sixpence-worth of exquisite art on a piece of parchment.

    Người thư pháp đã tạo ra tác phẩm nghệ thuật tinh tế trị giá sáu xu trên một mảnh giấy da.

  • The gardener tended to the sixpence-worth of flowers in the window box.

    Người làm vườn chăm sóc số hoa trị giá sáu xu trong bồn hoa ở cửa sổ.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary sixpence

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