Index Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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index
[หษชndษks ]
Definitions
finance
An index is a statistical measure representing a change in a variable or group of variables over time.
Synonyms
benchmark, indicator, measure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| index |
Typically used in statistics, economics, and finance to denote a composite measure that summarizes and tracks the changes in a representative group of individual data points.
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| indicator |
General term used to denote something that provides information or signals a trend or condition.
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| measure |
Used in various fields to refer to a standard unit used to express the size, amount, or degree of something.
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| benchmark |
Often used in business and finance to refer to a standard or point of reference against which other things can be compared or assessed.
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Examples of usage
- The stock market index rose by 2% today.
- The consumer price index is used to measure inflation.
- Index funds are popular among investors for their low fees.
computing
To index means to systematically arrange data for easy retrieval and search.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| index |
Use 'index' when referring to the process of creating a systematic list, often for purposes of easy searching or reference.
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| catalog |
Use 'catalog' when referring to a comprehensive list of items, often including descriptions and organized systematically, usually in a book, online, or database format.
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| organize |
Use 'organize' when referring to arranging items in a structured and systematic way, usually to improve efficiency or order.
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| classify |
Use 'classify' when talking about organizing items into specific groups or categories based on shared characteristics.
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Examples of usage
- The search engine indexes web pages for quick access.
- Make sure to index all the files in the database for efficient searching.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Indexes are crucial in academic writing, helping readers locate specific topics easily.
- Many reference works like encyclopedias and dictionaries include indexes for efficient navigation.
Technology
- In databases, an index can make searching for data much faster by organizing data points for quick access.
- Search engines use sophisticated indexing algorithms to categorize web pages and deliver relevant results in seconds.
Finance
- In finance, an index refers to a statistical measure that tracks the performance of a group of assets, like stock indexes.
- Major stock indexes, like the S&P 500, help investors gauge market performance and make informed investment decisions.
Psychology
- Indexes can also refer to memory aids that individuals create to help remember lists or concepts.
- Using an index in study materials can enhance recall by structuring information in a more accessible manner.
Origin of 'index'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'index' comes from the Latin 'indices,' meaning 'to point out,' which reflects its guiding purpose.
- In ancient Rome, an 'index' referred to a pointer or indicator, evolving to its current meaning in modern times.
The word 'index' comes from the Latin word 'index', which means 'pointer' or 'indicator'. In ancient Rome, an index was a person who led others to information. Over time, the term evolved to represent a list or guide that directs to specific information or data. The concept of indexing has become crucial in various fields, including finance, computing, and literature.