alphabetized
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈælfəˌbaɪzd/
KK: /ˈæl.fə.bə.taɪzd/
adjective
Definition
Arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet, from A to Z.
Example
The books on the shelf were alphabetized for easy access.
Conversation
Have you seen my books?
No, I haven't. Are they alphabetized?
Yeah, I spent all weekend organizing them.
That's impressive! I should do the same with mine.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ordered
arranged
sorted
Antonyms
chaotic
disordered
mixed
verb
Definition
To arrange items in a specific order based on the letters of the alphabet.
Example
The teacher alphabetized the list of students' names for easier reference.
Tense Forms
Past: alphabetized
Past Participle: alphabetized
Conversation
Did you finish sorting the books in the library?
Yes, I alphabetized them all yesterday.
That must have taken a while!
Root Explanation
Alphabetized → It is formed from "alpha" (the first letter of the Greek alphabet, meaning beginning) and "beta" (the second letter of the Greek alphabet, meaning second) combined with the suffix "-ize" (meaning to make or to cause to be). The word "alphabetized" means to arrange items in the order of the letters of the alphabet, starting from the beginning.
Memory Tip
Think of the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, 'alpha' and 'beta', which help you remember that 'alphabetized' means to arrange things in alphabetical order.
Visually Confused Words
misalphabetize
unalphabeted
aphetize