Showing results for rule of three. Search instead for rule-of-thirds.

rule of three

American

noun

Mathematics.

the method of finding the fourth term in a proportion when three terms are given.

rule of three British

noun

a mathematical rule asserting that the value of one unknown quantity in a proportion is found by multiplying the denominator of each ratio by the numerator of the other

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of rule of three

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So, my wife and I vowed to implement the rule of three.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2023

There was a time when America’s greatest writers, wits and humorists were known by their last names: Parker, Benchley, Thurber and, breaking the comedy rule of three, Perelman.

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2021

The rule of three for the science and economics prizes has been criticised for promoting the myth of the lone genius.

From The Guardian • Oct. 7, 2019

The rule of three as the most stable structure can be subverted to afford you double the scapegoats.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2019

All slates are instantly covered with numerals, and 'tis pleasant to see their skill in finest fractions, and in the wonder-working golden rule of three.

From Recreations of Christopher North, Volume I (of 2) by Wilson, John Lyde

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023