Ordinal numbers - is it 2e or 2eme ?

[nectarine]

Where one would say 'first, second, third' etc., I'm a little confused as to whether, in abbreviating them, one writes '2e' or 2ème', etc. I've seen both, but don't know the difference.

Someone told me that '2e' represents a rating, e.g. someone comes second in a race, whereas 2ème is used for a space, e.g. second floor.

Is this right, is there a definite rule, or is it not important and either can be used?

Thanks for all replies.

[Clair]

The correct abbreviation is 1^er (François 1^er) or 1^re (1^re place) , 2^e, 3^e, 567^e..., using superscript which does not show on this forum! [:D]

There is no difference when describing space, rating or any other type of ranking.

[woolybanana]

Listen to people speaking and you will hear the difference![6]

[nectarine]

thank you both, I always hear "deuxième", etc., but it's in the abbreviation, whether there is a rule. I guess if I put 2e, 3e (superscript) generally then I can't go wrong. Thank you both.

[andyh4]

So following on from Nectarine's question, but closely linked, when do you/can you use second/seconde instead of deuxième?

[Clair]

andyh4,

They are synonyms, so you can use either.

There is a (very faint and subtle) hint that using second indicates the count stop there (there's no third, fourth...), but you can happily ignore that [:D].

[andyh4]

Thanks for that Clair

[ernie]

Hi Clair,

 

When I asked the ladies at my English class about this distinction some years ago, the unswerving reply (unanimous) given was that “seconde” is the second of two only whereas deuxième is the word used  after the first, before the third etc.  Just like a line of empty Champagne bottles.   It sounded pretty reasonable to me.

 

The poignant example given me was the Second World War : “There’s not going to be a third WW” and I am defo not going there right now.  

 

Ernie