Hence the distinction between absolute terms expressive of number, and secondary terms expressive of number.
When languages separate from a common stock before the use of certain words is fixed as absolute, there is room for considerable latitude in the choice of numerals; e.g., whilst with one tribe the word pair=two, another tribe may use the word couple, a third brace, and so on. In this case dialects that agree in other respects may differ in respect to their numerals.
When, on the other hand, languages separate from a common stock after the meaning of such a word as two has been fixed absolutely, there is no room for latitude; and the numerals agree where the remainder of the language differs.
1. One=unus, Latin; ἑῖς (ἓν), Greek.
2. Two=duo, δύο.
3. Three=tres, τρεῖς.
4. Four=quatuor, τέτταρα. This is apparently problematical. Nevertheless, the assumed changes can be verified by the following forms:—
α. Fidvor, Mœso-Gothic. To be compared with quatuor.
β. Πίσυρες, Æolic. Illustrates the change between τ- and π- (allied to f-), within the pale of the classical languages.
5. Five=quinque, πέντε. Verified by the following forms:—