Alphabetic: meaning, definitions and examples

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alphabetic

 

[ ˌæləˈbɛtɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

letters, order

The term 'alphabetic' refers to something that is related to the alphabet or is arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet. In linguistic contexts, it often pertains to systems of writing where individual letters represent sounds. Alphabetic systems are essential for constructing words and enabling communication in written form. The alphabetic principle signifies that written language maps onto spoken language. This term is also significant in educational settings, where learning the alphabet is foundational for reading and writing.

Synonyms

lettered, scripted, written

Examples of usage

  • The names were listed in alphabetic order.
  • She organized the files in an alphabetic arrangement.
  • Alphabetic characters are used in many languages.

Translations

Translations of the word "alphabetic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alfabético

🇮🇳 वर्णमाला संबंधी

🇩🇪 alphabetisch

🇮🇩 alfabetis

🇺🇦 алфавітний

🇵🇱 alfabetyczny

🇯🇵 アルファベットの

🇫🇷 alphabétique

🇪🇸 alfabético

🇹🇷 alfabetik

🇰🇷 알파벳의

🇸🇦 أبجدي

🇨🇿 abecední

🇸🇰 abecedný

🇨🇳 字母的

🇸🇮 alfabetski

🇮🇸 bókstaflega

🇰🇿 Әліпбилік

🇬🇪 ალფაბეტური

🇦🇿 alfabetik

🇲🇽 alfabético

Etymology

The word 'alphabetic' originates from the Greek word 'alphabētos,' which refers to the first two letters of the Greek alphabet: alpha and beta. The use of these letters in sequence laid the foundation for the concept of an ordered set of symbols representing sounds. Throughout history, various cultures developed their own alphabetic systems, with the Phoenician alphabet being one of the earliest known forms. The term has evolved over centuries, linking to both phonetics and linguistics, as societies increasingly recognized the importance of standardized writing systems. As literacy spread, the need for an 'alphabetic' understanding became crucial for education, literature, and effective communication.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,860, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.