alphabetical

UK: /ˌæl.fəˈbet.ɪ.kəl/ | US: /ˌæl.fəˈbet.ɪ.kəl/

Definition

  1. adj. arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet

  2. adj. relating to or expressed by an alphabet

Structure
alphabet <the set of letters in a language>ical <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "alphabetical" derives from "alphabet," which itself comes from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet: "alpha" (Α) and "beta" (Β). The suffix "-ical" is added to form an adjective, meaning "pertaining to the alphabet." This construction reflects the logical progression from the naming of the letter system to describing things organized by it.

Examples

  1. The names on the list are in alphabetical order.

  2. She organized her books by alphabetical sequence.

  3. The dictionary entries are arranged alphabetically.

  4. The teacher asked the students to write the words in alphabetical order.

  5. The files were sorted into alphabetical folders for easy access.