Definition

The way of showing ideas using pictures or symbols instead of words.

Example

In her art class, we learned about ideography and how to create symbols that represent our thoughts.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about ideography?

Yeah, it's a way to represent ideas with symbols, right?

Exactly! I find it fascinating how it can convey complex thoughts.

Me too! It's amazing how a simple symbol can have so much meaning.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ideography is formed from "ideo-" (from Greek "idea", meaning form or concept) and "-graphy" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word refers to a system of writing that represents ideas or concepts rather than specific sounds or words.

Memory Tip

Think of 'idea' as a form or concept that is 'written' ('-graphy') — that's why ideography represents ideas in writing.

Visually Confused Words