these are excerpts from news stories
...out of the 55,000-odd autos that are present on delhi's roads...
...of the 50-odd men who work here...
...there are 110-odd teachers teaching...
and i'm not able to understand what does this 'odd' mean when added to a number, and why do reporters seem to be using 'odd' everywhere, wherever they have to write a number
2007-02-17 02:44:30 · 3 answers · asked by Rishabh Singla 2 in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
An excellent question, worthy of the "Star" treatment.
In the context you reference, the use of "odd" could be restated a couple of ways that might help you understand the meaning:
You could also say:
"...out of the plus or minus 55,000 autos that are...."
"...of the 50 or so men who work here.."
"...there are approximately 110 teachers teaching..."
In place, or in lieu of the word "odd", one might also say...
"give or take a few"
The usage of the word "odd" represents an undeterminable, indefinite quantity.
The dash "-" before the word (-odd) simply associates the word "odd" to the inexact number before it.
2007-02-17 02:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by GeneL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means that the number is an estimate, not an exact number.
odd:
defintion 6. being a small amount in addition to what is counted or specified: I have five gross and a few odd dozens.
2007-02-17 02:54:00 · answer #2 · answered by Haley 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it means "or so" or "approximately"
2007-02-17 02:48:32 · answer #3 · answered by peacepusher 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋