zestig

Dutch

Etymology

From Middle Dutch sestich, also tsestich with t- from tsēventich, from Old Dutch *sestig, from Proto-Germanic *sehs tigiwiz.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɛs.təx/, /ˈzɛs.təx/

• audio

  (file)

• Hyphenation: zes‧tig

Numeral

zestig

1. sixty

Usage notes

Although spelt with z-, the word is traditionally pronounced with initial /s/ even in accents that generally do not devoice z-. This is due to the former prefix t- (see etymology). However, there are also many speakers who pronounce /z/ in line with the spelling.

Descendants

• Afrikaans: sestig
• Berbice Creole Dutch: sesti
• Jersey Dutch: zäästix
• Negerhollands: sestig