Alphabetism

Quick meaning: Alphabetism is a noun meaning (countable) An initialism: an abbreviation which is read letter by letter, such as UN.

Meaning

(countable) An initialism: an abbreviation which is read letter by letter, such as UN.

More Meanings

1. (uncountable) The ability to read an alphabet, a rudimentary form of literacy.
2. (uncountable) Excessive reliance upon the alphabet or alphabetic structures.
3. (uncountable) Discrimination on the basis of the first letter of a name.

Example Sentences

Some alphabetisms are written as if they weren't alphabetisms at all, like deejay for DJ, disc jockey, or emcee for MC, master of ceremonies.

The injustice of "alphabetism" is, of course, a thorn in the Zitser side, and he playfully promises to assign the problem to "alphabetically neutral" aides.

The answer, I suggest, is that phonemism is rooted in alphabetism. Indeed, many linguists have suggested that there really is a /g/ phoneme at the end of 'fang' and other [ŋ]-final words in English, except that they are not pronounced!

Some of the activities involved in ... corvée and military needs stimulated the spread of a certain type of minimal alphabetism for inventorying and most likely encouraged the development of a professional scribalism for record-keeping and book-keeping.

Word Forms

• alphabetisms

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include initialism, initials, acronym, abecedism, acronymy, abbreviature.

Related Dictionary Tools