ABCs: meaning, definitions and examples
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ABCs
[ ˈeɪ biː siːz ]
alphabet sequence
The ABCs refer to the letters of the English alphabet in the order from A to Z. This term is often used to denote the basics or fundamentals of a subject, particularly in education for young children learning to read and write.
Synonyms
alphabet, basics, foundations.
Examples of usage
- I taught my toddler the ABCs using colorful flashcards.
- The ABCs of finance include budgeting, saving, and investing.
- It's essential to learn the ABCs of cooking before attempting complex recipes.
Etymology
The term 'ABCs' is derived from the first three letters of the Latin alphabet: A, B, and C. The use of 'ABCs' as a reference to the alphabet likely dates back to the early educational practices in the 19th century when formal teaching of letters became standard in classroom settings. As education systems evolved, 'the ABCs' became a metaphor for the fundamental concepts in various fields, signifying that every discipline has its own core principles. This phrase has grown to encompass not only literacy but also foundational knowledge in subjects ranging from mathematics to science. It reflects a cultural emphasis on teaching young learners the importance of starting from the basics to build their understanding in future studies.