Why isn't 11 pronounced onety one?

Answer 1

For historical reasons. English is a mishmash of contributions from various languages.

The etymology of the word 'eleven' is from the Old English endleofan, meaning "one left" (over ten). 'Twelve' is similar, from twelf meaning "two left". You can still see the root of 'leave' in both of those words.

The rest of the numbers really are ten plus the ordinate: thirteen has roots from "three" and "ten".

Answer 2

If you were using base twelve, you could say that. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, one-oh, onety-one, ten, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, etc. You'd have to use a couple extra symbols, though.

Answer 3

Because at the time Numbers were invented, Noah was all alone on his ark, and so he'd just talk to himself all the time. He went crazy i suppose, and maybe he liked the word eleven, so he got stuck after he used up all his fingers for counting, and then he just made up random words!!!

Answer 4

Well most questions here will be inane... i suggest looking at a history of mathematics book or even ask a person who studies words.

I would start by mailing a ****

damn i forget what they are called but the person who studies the history of words.

Answer 5

The same reason 113 isn't pronounced eleventy three I guess....

Answer 6

Why does one have a "w" sound, but two does not?

Answer 7

why don't you go ahead and pronounce it this way, it makes sense to me

Answer 8

don'tyou mean oneteen?

Answer 9

puahaha. idk. it sounds funny