alphabetically

IPA/ˌælfəˈbetɪkli/
KK[ˌælfəbˈɛtɪkli]IPA/ˌælfəˈbetɪkli/

alphabetically — adverb

1. in the sequence set by the letters A to Z, so names, words, or items are placed

1.adverbB2
Definition

in the sequence set by the letters A to Z, so names, words, or items are placed by their first letter and then the next ones.

Example

The librarian shelved the new picture books alphabetically by author name.

verb + alphabetically for sorting by name

All the students were listed alphabetically on the classroom wall chart.

passive: be listed alphabetically

Common collocations
  • arrange alphabetically
  • list alphabetically
  • file alphabetically
  • alphabetically ordered list
Synonyms
  • in alphabetical order

    the closest longer phrase; more explicit than the single adverb

  • by letter

    informal and less precise; often used in quick spoken instructions

  • from A to Z

    common informal phrase for the usual English alphabetical direction

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

verb + alphabetically

be + past participle + alphabetically

Usage Note

Most often used with verbs for sorting or showing lists, such as arrange, list, file, order, and appear. It usually refers to names, titles, places, or other written items rather than physical objects with no labels.

Common Mistakes

The files are in alphabetic.
The files are in alphabetical order.' / 'The files are arranged alphabetically.
use 'alphabetically' as an adverb, not after 'in'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

These words all describe a system for putting things in order, but the basis of the order changes. 'Alphabetically' is the compact adverb used when items are sorted by letters, especially names, titles, and word lists: 'The class list is arranged alphabetically.' 'In alphabetical order' means almost the same thing, but it is a longer phrase and sounds slightly more explanatory. 'Numerically' is used when the order follows numbers, such as room numbers or scores. 'Chronologically' is used when events, records, or messages are placed by time. A quick check is simple: if you would look for A, B, C, use 'alphabetically'; if you would look for 1, 2, 3, use 'numerically'; if you would ask which came first, use 'chronologically'.

alphabetically ↗in alphabetical ordernumerically ↗chronologically ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • alphabetically ordered list
  • alphabetically arranged file

Phrases

  • arrange alphabetically
  • sort alphabetically
  • list alphabetically
  • put in alphabetical order

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Alphabetically comes from 'alphabetical' plus the adverb ending '-ly'. The deeper history goes back to 'alphabet', which English took through Latin and French from Greek, where the word was formed from the names of the first two letters, alpha and beta. The modern adverb keeps that idea and means doing something according to letter order.