Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Alphabetical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔤
Add to dictionary

alphabetical

[ˌæl.ɪˈfɛk.tɪ.kəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

order arrangement

Alphabetical refers to the arrangement of words or items based on the sequence of letters in the alphabet. This system is often used in dictionaries, indexes, and catalogs to facilitate easy navigation and retrieval of information.

Synonyms

ABCs, alphabetic, lexicographical.

Examples of usage

  • The books are arranged in alphabetical order on the shelf.
  • You need to sort the names alphabetically for the guest list.
  • The directory lists all employees alphabetically.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In linguistics, organizing words alphabetically helps with finding information quickly in dictionaries and indexes.
  • Different languages may have their own unique alphabetical orders, depending on their scripts and character sets.

Education

  • Alphabetical order is often one of the first concepts taught in elementary schools to help children organize information.
  • Teachers use alphabetical order when grading assignments to keep track of students' names easily.

Cultural Significance

  • Many libraries and bookstores use alphabetical order to arrange books, making it easier for customers to locate what they need.
  • In various cultures, games involving memorization and recall, like spelling bees, emphasize the importance of being familiar with alphabetical order.

Technology

  • Digital databases and search engines rely on alphabetical ordering to display results and files, enhancing user experience.
  • Contact lists on phones are typically arranged alphabetically, allowing for quick access to names.

Origin of 'alphabetical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'alphabetos,' which is a combination of the first two letters in the Greek alphabet: alpha and beta.
  • Alphabetical has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily in reference to ordering words or items.

The word 'alphabetical' is derived from the term 'alphabet', which itself comes from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet: alpha and beta. The term 'alphabet' emerged in the early 14th century, primarily to denote the script or characters used in a language. 'Alphabetical' entered the English language around the 15th century, illustrating the method of arranging words or items according to the order of letters. The development of alphabetical systems allowed for standardized organization, facilitating easier access to information in written forms. Over centuries, this method has been widely adopted across numerous languages, serving crucial roles in indexing and cataloging information effectively.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,334, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.