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List of 120+ common English words starting with F
This in-depth exploration of words starting with F provides everything language learners and educators need to master this segment of English vocabulary. Far beyond a simple word list, the guide organizes hundreds of F-words by part of speech, length, and thematic categories while offering pronunciation guidance, contextual usage examples, and effective learning strategies. Featuring specialized sections on etymology, comparative linguistics, and field-specific terminology, this resource equips readers with both foundational knowledge and advanced insights for building English fluency through focused vocabulary development.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

- I. Unlocking the Lexicon: Why We Search for Words Starting with F
- II. Foundational 'F' Vocabulary: The Building Blocks of English
- III. Expanding Your Horizons: Diverse Categories of 'F' Words
- IV. Mastering 'F' Words: Pronunciation, Usage, and Application
- V. Supplemental Insights: Answering Your Advanced 'F' Word Questions
- VI. Beyond the Basics: Continuing Your English Vocabulary Journey
I. Unlocking the Lexicon: Why We Search for Words Starting with F
When you search for "words starting with F," you're likely driven by several common motivations. Perhaps you're building your vocabulary as an English language learner or a native speaker seeking to expand your lexical repertoire. Many writers turn to such lists when crafting essays or creative works, particularly when searching for specific terms or creating alliterative phrases. Educational purposes like teaching phonics or improving spelling skills represent another significant reason.
This comprehensive guide serves as your one-stop resource for words beginning with F, covering common and diverse terms, their meanings, proper usage, categorical organization, and effective learning strategies.
II. Foundational 'F' Vocabulary: The Building Blocks of English
Mastering foundational vocabulary is essential for achieving fluency and comprehension in any language. The letter F begins numerous important English words across all parts of speech.
1. Nouns that start with F
Nouns beginning with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Father (/ˈfɑː.ðər/) |
The male parent of a child |
Her father taught her how to ride a bicycle. |
Friend (/frend/) |
A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection |
My friend helped me move into my new apartment. |
Family (/ˈfæm.ə.li/) |
A group of people related by blood or marriage |
His family gathers every Sunday for dinner. |
Farmer (/ˈfɑːr.mər/) |
A person who owns or manages a farm |
The farmer wakes up at dawn to tend to the crops. |
Foreigner (/ˈfɔːr.ə.nər/) |
A person born in or coming from a country other than one's own |
As a foreigner, he was excited to learn about the local customs. |
Factory (/ˈfæk.tə.ri/) |
A building where goods are manufactured |
The automobile factory produces thousands of cars each month. |
Forest (/ˈfɒr.ɪst/) |
A large area covered with trees and undergrowth |
We hiked through the forest and saw many different species of birds. |
Farm (/fɑːrm/) |
An area of land used for growing crops or rearing animals |
The organic farm supplies vegetables to local restaurants. |
Field (/fiːld/) |
An area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture |
The children played soccer in the field behind the school. |
Frontier (/ˈfrʌn.tɪər/) |
A line or border separating two countries or regions |
The frontier between the two nations was marked by a river. |
Food (/fuːd/) |
Any nutritious substance consumed to maintain life and growth |
The refrigerator was stocked with food for the weekend. |
Furniture (/ˈfɜːr.nɪ.tʃər/) |
Large movable equipment used in a home or office |
They bought new furniture for their living room. |
File (/faɪl/) |
A folder or box for holding papers in order |
She organized her important documents in a file. |
Frame (/freɪm/) |
A rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something |
The photograph looked beautiful in its new frame. |
Flag (/flæɡ/) |
A piece of cloth with a distinctive design used as a symbol |
The flag flew at half-mast as a sign of respect. |
Freedom (/ˈfriː.dəm/) |
The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants |
The constitution guarantees freedom of speech. |
Future (/ˈfjuː.tʃər/) |
Time that is to come |
She worried about what the future might hold. |
Fact (/fækt/) |
A thing that is known or proved to be true |
The scientist presented the facts from her research. |
Faith (/feɪθ/) |
Strong belief in a religion or system of thought |
His faith gave him strength during difficult times. |
Friendship (/ˈfrend.ʃɪp/) |
The emotions or conduct of friends |
Their friendship has lasted for over twenty years. |
2. Verbs that start with F
Verbs starting with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Find (/faɪnd/) |
To discover or perceive by chance or after searching |
I finally found my missing keys under the sofa. |
Feel (/fiːl/) |
To experience a particular sensation or emotion |
She feels happy when she's with her grandchildren. |
Follow (/ˈfɒl.oʊ/) |
To come after in sequence or time; to go after someone |
The puppy followed me everywhere I went. |
Fail (/feɪl/) |
To be unsuccessful in achieving one's goal |
He failed his driving test on the first attempt. |
Face (/feɪs/) |
To confront or deal with a difficult situation |
We must face the consequences of our actions. |
Finish (/ˈfɪn.ɪʃ/) |
To bring to an end or conclusion |
She finished reading the novel in just two days. |
Fight (/faɪt/) |
To engage in conflict or struggle |
The two countries fought over the disputed territory. |
Fill (/fɪl/) |
To make something full |
Please fill the glass with water. |
Fall (/fɔːl/) |
To move downward suddenly |
The leaves fall from the trees in autumn. |
Focus (/ˈfoʊ.kəs/) |
To concentrate attention or effort |
He needed to focus on his studies to pass the exam. |
Form (/fɔːrm/) |
To bring together parts to create something |
The children formed a circle for the game. |
Favor (/ˈfeɪ.vər/) |
To show special kindness to |
The teacher seemed to favor the students who participated actively. |
Function (/ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/) |
To operate or work in a particular way |
The new system functions more efficiently. |
Fly (/flaɪ/) |
To move through the air with wings |
Birds fly south for the winter. |
Forgive (/fərˈɡɪv/) |
To stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone |
She decided to forgive her friend for the misunderstanding. |
3. Adjectives starting with F
Adjectives that begin with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Fast (/fæst/) |
Moving or capable of moving quickly |
The fast train arrived ahead of schedule. |
Fair (/feər/) |
Treating people equally; just or appropriate |
The judge made a fair decision based on the evidence. |
Fresh (/freʃ/) |
Recently made, produced, or harvested |
I prefer fresh vegetables to frozen ones. |
Full (/fʊl/) |
Containing as much as possible; having no empty space |
The theater was full for the premiere. |
Famous (/ˈfeɪ.məs/) |
Known about by many people |
The famous actor tried to avoid the paparazzi. |
Funny (/ˈfʌn.i/) |
Causing laughter or amusement |
His funny jokes had everyone laughing. |
First (/fɜːrst/) |
Coming before all others in time or order |
She was the first person to arrive at the party. |
Final (/ˈfaɪ.nəl/) |
Coming at the end; last |
This is the final warning before penalties are applied. |
Far (/fɑːr/) |
At, to, or from a great distance |
They lived far from the city center. |
Free (/friː/) |
Not under the control or restriction of another |
The bird was set free from its cage. |
Forbidden (/fərˈbɪd.ən/) |
Not allowed; banned |
Swimming was forbidden in that part of the lake. |
Foreign (/ˈfɔr.ən/) |
Of, from, or characteristic of another country |
She studied foreign languages at university. |
Fierce (/fɪərs/) |
Having or displaying aggressive energy |
The fierce competition pushed everyone to do their best. |
Flat (/flæt/) |
Having a level surface; without raised areas |
They preferred a flat route for their bicycle ride. |
Firm (/fɜːrm/) |
Not easily moved, changed, or compressible |
He maintained a firm grip on the railing. |
4. Other Key 'F' Words
Word & Pronunciation |
Meaning |
Example |
For (/fɔːr/) |
Preposition indicating purpose or duration |
This gift is for you. We waited for an hour. |
From (/frʌm/) |
Preposition indicating starting point or origin |
The package came from my sister in Canada. |
Fairly (/ˈfeə.li/) |
Adverb meaning to a reasonable degree |
The test was fairly difficult, but I managed to pass. |
Fast (adv) (/fæst/) |
Adverb meaning quickly or rapidly |
She can run very fast. |
Frequently (/ˈfriː.kwənt.li/) |
Adverb meaning often or at short intervals |
He frequently visits his grandmother on weekends. |
Finally (/ˈfaɪ.nə.li/) |
Adverb meaning at the end or after a long time |
We finally reached an agreement after hours of discussion. |
Frankly (/ˈfræŋk.li/) |
Adverb meaning in an honest and direct manner |
Frankly, I don't think that's a good idea. |
Forward (/ˈfɔːr.wərd/) |
Adverb/preposition indicating ahead direction |
Please move forward in the line. |
III. Expanding Your Horizons: Diverse Categories of 'F' Words
English has a vast number of words starting with F across many categories. Exploring them by category can aid learning and specific tasks.
1. By Length
1.1 Three-Letter 'F' Words
Words that begin with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Fan (/fæn/) |
A device for creating airflow or an enthusiastic admirer |
She turned on the fan during the hot summer day. |
Fat (/fæt/) |
Having excess flesh or oil/grease in food |
The fat cat lounged in the sunbeam. |
Fed (/fed/) |
Past tense of feed or short for federal |
He fed the birds every morning. |
Fee (/fiː/) |
A payment made for professional services |
The lawyer charged a reasonable fee for the consultation. |
Fig (/fɪɡ/) |
A soft sweet fruit with many small seeds |
Fresh figs pair well with cheese. |
Fin (/fɪn/) |
A thin flat appendage on a fish or aquatic animal |
The shark's fin broke the surface of the water. |
Fit (/fɪt/) |
To be of the right size/shape or physically healthy |
These shoes fit perfectly. |
Fix (/fɪks/) |
To repair or fasten something |
He needed to fix the broken chair. |
Fog (/fɒɡ/) |
Thick cloud of water droplets near the ground |
The fog made it difficult to see the road. |
For (/fɔːr/) |
Preposition indicating purpose or recipient |
This present is for you. |
Fox (/fɒks/) |
A wild canine with a bushy tail |
The red fox darted across the field. |
Fun (/fʌn/) |
Enjoyment or amusement |
We had fun at the amusement park. |
Fur (/fɜːr/) |
The hairy coat of an animal |
The cat's fur was soft and fluffy. |
Fad (/fæd/) |
A temporary fashion or interest |
Fidget spinners were a short-lived fad. |
Fax (/fæks/) |
A document sent via telephonic transmission |
Please send the contract by fax. |
1.2 Four-Letter 'F' Words
Words starting with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Face (/feɪs/) |
Front part of the head or to confront something |
His face lit up when he saw her. |
Fact (/fækt/) |
Something known to be true |
It's a fact that water freezes at 0°C. |
Fade (/feɪd/) |
To gradually grow faint or disappear |
The colors in the old photograph began to fade. |
Fail (/feɪl/) |
To be unsuccessful |
She was determined not to fail the exam. |
Fair (/feər/) |
Just or equitable; an exhibition |
The judge made a fair decision. |
Fall (/fɔːl/) |
To drop or descend |
Leaves fall from trees in autumn. |
Fame (/feɪm/) |
Being known or recognized by many people |
The actor achieved fame after starring in the blockbuster movie. |
Farm (/fɑːrm/) |
Land used for growing crops or raising animals |
They bought a small farm in the countryside. |
Fast (/fæst/) |
Moving or happening quickly |
The fast train arrived ahead of schedule. |
Fate (/feɪt/) |
The development of events beyond control |
He believed fate had brought them together. |
Fear (/fɪər/) |
An unpleasant emotion caused by threat |
Her fear of heights prevented her from enjoying the view. |
Feed (/fiːd/) |
To give food to |
She feeds her dog twice a day. |
Feel (/fiːl/) |
To experience through touch or emotion |
I feel the smooth texture of the silk. |
Feet (/fiːt/) |
Plural of foot |
He washed his feet after walking on the beach. |
File (/faɪl/) |
A folder for papers or a tool |
She organized her documents in a file. |
Fill (/fɪl/) |
To make full |
Please fill the glass with water. |
Film (/fɪlm/) |
A movie or thin layer |
We watched a film at the cinema last night. |
Find (/faɪnd/) |
To discover or locate |
I couldn't find my keys this morning. |
Fine (/faɪn/) |
Of high quality or a penalty payment |
The restaurant serves fine wine. |
Fire (/faɪər/) |
Combustion producing heat and light |
They sat around the fire telling stories. |
1.3 Longer 'F' Words
Words starting with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Flabbergasted (/ˈflæb.ər.ɡæs.tɪd/) |
Greatly surprised or astonished |
She was flabbergasted by the unexpected proposal. |
Fantastic (/fænˈtæs.tɪk/) |
Extraordinarily good or attractive |
The team did a fantastic job on the project. |
February (/ˈfeb.ru.er.i/) |
The second month of the year |
Valentine's Day is celebrated in February. |
Foundational (/faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən.əl/) |
Serving as a base or groundwork |
These are the foundational principles of the organization. |
Frequently (/ˈfriː.kwənt.li/) |
Often or at regular intervals |
She frequently visits her grandmother on weekends. |
Fascinating (/ˈfæs.ə.neɪ.tɪŋ/) |
Extremely interesting |
The documentary about marine life was fascinating. |
Functionality (/fʌŋk.ʃəˈnæl.ə.ti/) |
The quality of being suited to serve a purpose |
The new software improves the functionality of the system. |
Flamboyant (/flæmˈbɔɪ.ənt/) |
Tending to attract attention because of exuberance |
He was known for his flamboyant style of dress. |
Formidable (/ˈfɔːr.mɪ.də.bəl/) |
Inspiring fear or respect through size, strength, etc. |
They faced a formidable opponent in the championship game. |
Fluorescent (/flʊˈres.ənt/) |
Emitting visible light when exposed to radiation |
The fluorescent lights hummed overhead. |
Fundamental (/fʌn.dəˈmen.təl/) |
Forming a necessary base or core |
Understanding these concepts is fundamental to success in the course. |
Fortitude (/ˈfɔːr.tɪ.tuːd/) |
Courage in pain or adversity |
She showed remarkable fortitude during her illness. |
Fragmentation (/fræɡ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/) |
The process of breaking into fragments |
The political landscape suffered from fragmentation after the election. |
Fellowship (/ˈfel.oʊ.ʃɪp/) |
Friendly association, especially with people who share interests |
The research fellowship provided funding for her studies. |
Fashionable (/ˈfæʃ.ən.ə.bəl/) |
Conforming to the current style |
Her fashionable outfit caught everyone's attention. |
2. By Topic
2.1 Feelings
Words starting with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Fear (/fɪər/) |
An unpleasant emotion caused by threat |
His fear of heights prevented him from enjoying the view. |
Frustration (/frʌˈstreɪ.ʃən/) |
Feeling of being upset when unable to change or achieve something |
She expressed frustration at the lack of progress. |
Fury (/ˈfjʊə.ri/) |
Intense, violent anger |
His fury at being deceived was evident to everyone. |
Fascination (/fæs.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/) |
Feeling of being greatly interested or attracted |
She had a fascination with ancient civilizations. |
Fulfillment (/fʊlˈfɪl.mənt/) |
Satisfaction from achieving or completing something |
Helping others gave him a sense of fulfillment. |
Fondness (/ˈfɒnd.nəs/) |
Affection or liking for someone or something |
She had a fondness for chocolate desserts. |
Fright (/fraɪt/) |
Sudden intense fear |
The loud noise gave everyone a fright. |
Fatigue (/fəˈtiːɡ/) |
Extreme tiredness resulting from effort or stress |
After the marathon, she was overcome with fatigue. |
Felicity (/fəˈlɪs.ə.ti/) |
Intense happiness |
The news brought great felicity to the family. |
Forlornness (/fɔːrˈlɔːrn.nəs/) |
Feeling of being abandoned or lonely |
There was a sense of forlornness in his eyes. |
2.2 Food
Words starting with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Fig (/fɪɡ/) |
A soft sweet fruit with many small seeds |
Fresh figs are delicious with cheese and honey. |
Fish (/fɪʃ/) |
A water-dwelling vertebrate with gills |
We had grilled fish for dinner last night. |
French fries (/frentʃ fraɪz/) |
Strips of potato fried in oil |
He ordered a hamburger with french fries. |
Fruit (/fruːt/) |
The sweet and fleshy product of a tree or plant |
A bowl of fresh fruit sat on the kitchen table. |
Flour (/ˈflaʊər/) |
Powder obtained by grinding grain |
The recipe calls for two cups of flour. |
Fudge (/fʌdʒ/) |
A soft sweet made from sugar, butter, and milk |
She made chocolate fudge for the bake sale. |
Fennel (/ˈfen.əl/) |
An aromatic herb used in cooking |
The fennel added a licorice flavor to the dish. |
Frittata (/frɪˈtɑː.tə/) |
An Italian dish similar to an omelet |
The frittata contained vegetables and cheese. |
Falafel (/fəˈlɑː.fəl/) |
Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas |
The falafel wrap was served with tahini sauce. |
Focaccia (/foʊˈkɑː.tʃə/) |
A flat Italian bread |
The focaccia was topped with rosemary and sea salt. |
2.3 Science
Words starting with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Force (/fɔːrs/) |
Strength or energy as an attribute |
The force of the impact shattered the window. |
Friction (/ˈfrɪk.ʃən/) |
Resistance encountered when one object moves relative to another |
Friction between the tires and road helps the car stop. |
Frequency (/ˈfriː.kwən.si/) |
The rate at which something occurs |
The frequency of earthquakes in the region has increased. |
Fusion (/ˈfjuː.ʒən/) |
The process of joining two or more things together |
Nuclear fusion releases enormous amounts of energy. |
Fluid (/ˈfluː.ɪd/) |
A substance that flows and changes shape |
Water is the most common fluid on Earth. |
Function (/ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/) |
An activity that is natural to or the purpose of a person or thing |
The function of the heart is to pump blood. |
Fossil (/ˈfɒs.əl/) |
The remains or impression of a prehistoric organism |
The fossil revealed details about an extinct species. |
Flora (/ˈflɔː.rə/) |
The plants of a particular region or period |
The expedition documented the unique flora of the island. |
Fauna (/ˈfɔː.nə/) |
The animals of a particular region or period |
The fauna of Australia includes many marsupials. |
Formula (/ˈfɔːr.mjə.lə/) |
A mathematical relationship or rule expressed in symbols |
He used the formula to calculate the area of the circle. |
2.4 Positive Traits
Words starting with F |
Meaning |
Example |
Friendly (/ˈfrend.li/) |
Kind and pleasant |
The staff was very friendly and helpful. |
Faithful (/ˈfeɪθ.fəl/) |
Loyal, constant, and steadfast |
He remained faithful to his principles throughout his career. |
Fair (/feər/) |
Treating people equally |
The teacher was known for being fair to all students. |
Flexible (/ˈflek.sə.bəl/) |
Willing to change or compromise |
Her flexible approach to problem-solving made her a valued team member. |
Forthright (/ˈfɔːrθ.raɪt/) |
Direct and outspoken |
I appreciate his forthright manner of speaking. |
Fearless (/ˈfɪə.ləs/) |
Without fear; brave |
The fearless firefighter rushed into the burning building. |
Focused (/ˈfoʊ.kəst/) |
Paying particular attention to something |
She remained focused on her goal despite distractions. |
Forgiving (/fərˈɡɪv.ɪŋ/) |
Ready to forgive |
His forgiving nature helped heal old wounds. |
Frank (/fræŋk/) |
Open, honest, and direct |
She gave me frank feedback about my performance. |
Fortunate (/ˈfɔːr.tʃə.nət/) |
Having good luck; blessed |
We were fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors. |
IV. Mastering 'F' Words: Pronunciation, Usage, and Application
Understanding how to correctly pronounce, use in context, and apply words starting with F is essential for mastering English vocabulary.
1. Pronunciation
The /f/ sound is created by placing your top teeth against your lower lip and pushing air out. It's classified in linguistics as an unvoiced labiodental fricative, meaning it's produced without vocal cord vibration, using both lips and teeth, and with friction as air passes through. Compare this with the voiced /v/ sound, which uses the same mouth position but adds vocal cord vibration.
2. Usage
Context greatly affects the meaning and appropriate use of words. Consider the word "fine": it can describe quality ("a fine wine"), indicate a monetary penalty ("pay a fine"), or express adequate condition ("I'm feeling fine"). Understanding these contextual differences prevents misuse and misunderstanding. Some F words also vary in formality level, making them more appropriate in certain situations than others.
3. Techniques for Learning
3.1 Active Recall
Instead of passively reading word lists, test yourself by trying to recall words starting with F from memory. Create flashcards with the word on one side and definition/example on the other. Review these regularly, focusing more time on words you find difficult to remember. This technique strengthens memory pathways by forcing your brain to retrieve information.
3.2 Contextual Immersion
Immerse yourself in authentic English material like books, articles, podcasts, or films. When you encounter F words, note how they're used in context. This helps you understand natural usage patterns and remember vocabulary more effectively than memorizing isolated words.
3.3 Practical Usage
Apply new vocabulary immediately in your writing and speaking. Try to use at least five new F words each day in conversation or writing. This practical application reinforces learning and helps you become comfortable with new vocabulary in real communication.
3.4 Creative Association
Create mental images, stories, or personal connections with words to make them memorable. For example, visualize a "fortress" as a massive stone structure with high walls providing security, or associate "friendship" with specific people in your life. These personal connections create stronger memory hooks than abstract definitions alone.
V. Supplemental Insights: Answering Your Advanced 'F' Word Questions
1. What qualifies as an "official" English word starting with F?
An "official" English word is generally one that meets established usage criteria including frequency in written and spoken language, etymological basis, and citation in respected works. Major dictionary publishers like Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary serve as authorities, employing lexicographers who document words based on these principles. A word becomes "official" when it demonstrates sustained usage across diverse contexts and gains recognition through inclusion in these authoritative references.
2. Are there fields or professions with unusually high numbers of F words?
Several fields feature specialized F vocabulary. Finance contains terms like fiscal, futures, fund, foreclosure, and fiduciary. Physics uses force, frequency, friction, field, and fusion. Food and culinary arts employ words such as fry, fricassee, flour, ferment, and flambé. These specialized domains develop terminology fitting their unique needs, often drawing from Latin, Greek, or other linguistic roots to create precise technical vocabulary.
3. How do words starting with F compare to other letters in English?
F ranks moderately in frequency as an initial letter in English words, appearing less often than high-frequency letters like S, C, and P, but more frequently than letters like Z, X, or Q. F-initial words often derive from Germanic roots (father, foot, find) rather than using common prefixes like "un-" or "re-". Interestingly, while not the most common initial letter, the /f/ sound appears frequently in English when accounting for words spelled with "ph" (phone, photograph).
4. Is it true that many 'F' sounds in English are written with 'PH' instead?
Yes, this is largely true. The pattern stems from Greek-origin words where the phi (φ) letter was transliterated into Latin as "ph" to preserve the /f/ sound. This explains why we see "ph" in words of Greek origin like philosophy, photograph, and physics, while words with Germanic or Latin roots typically use the letter F directly (father, fact, future). This orthographic distinction provides interesting etymological clues about a word's origin in the English lexicon.
VI. Beyond the Basics: Continuing Your English Vocabulary Journey
1. Consolidating
Throughout this article, we've explored the diverse world of words starting with F—from everyday foundational terms to specialized vocabulary across various categories. We've examined nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech, organized words by length and topic, and provided strategies for mastering pronunciation and usage. With this comprehensive knowledge, you're now well-equipped to recognize, understand, and employ a wide range of words beginning with F in your English communication.
2. Where to Go Next
Your vocabulary journey doesn't end here. Consider exploring words beginning with another letter, focusing on vocabulary related to specific subjects that interest you, or using language learning applications to reinforce what you've learned. Practice is key—incorporate these words into your daily communication and continue building your lexical repertoire. The more you use these words in context, the more naturally they'll become part of your active vocabulary, enhancing your overall command of English.

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.
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