second
word
/ˈsɛkənd/
SEK-und
/ˈsɛkɪnd/
SEK-ind
Definition
The position after the first in a sequence or order. Also, a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used both as an ordinal number ('second place') and as a time unit ('two seconds'). In informal speech, 'a second' can mean a very short moment. Do not confuse with 'seconds' meaning small pieces of food.
Spanish: segundoPortuguese (BR): segundoPortuguese (PT): segundoChinese (Simplified): 第二Chinese (Traditional): 第二Hindi: दूसराArabic: الثانيBengali: দ্বিতীয় - সেকেন্ড (সময়)Russian: второй - секундаJapanese: 2番目 - 秒Vietnamese: thứ hai - giâyKorean: 두 번째 - 초Turkish: ikinci - saniyeUrdu: دوسرا - سیکنڈIndonesian: kedua - detik
Example Sentences
Wait a second, I need to check something.
basic
Can you give me a second to think about it?
natural
Give me a second, I’ll grab my jacket.
natural
She finished in second place in the race.
basic
A second is sixty times shorter than a minute.
basic
He couldn’t believe he got second best.
natural