The number four is a natural number that follows three and precedes five. It is often represented by the numeral "4" and is considered an even number. In various cultures, four can symbolize stability and order, as seen in the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. In mathematics, four is the first composite number, meaning it has divisors other than one and itself, specifically two. It is also the only number that has the same number of letters as its value in English. Additionally, four is significant in many games and sports, such as four quarters in a basketball game.