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Alphabet - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An alphabet is a set of letters used to write a language, arranged in a fixed order. Each letter represents a sound or combination of sounds in spoken words.

alphabet

/ˈælfəˌbɛt/ /ˈalfəbɪt/

Definition:

A set of letters used to write a language, typically arranged in a fixed order.

Synonyms:

ABCs, letters, script, symbols

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

disorder, chaos

Common Collocations:

alphabet song, alphabet chart, alphabet blocks, alphabet book

Derivatives:

alphabetical, alphabetize

Usage Tips:

Use "alphabet" to refer to the ordered set of letters in a language, not individual characters.

Common Phrases:

know the alphabet backwards and forwards, from A to Z, alphabet soup

Etymology:

Derived from Greek "alphabētos," combining the first two Greek letters alpha and beta.

Examples:

  • 1. The English alphabet has 26 letters.
  • 2. Children learn the alphabet through songs and games.
  • 3. She recited the alphabet quickly and flawlessly.
  • 4. The word "apple" starts with the first letter of the alphabet.

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