alphabetize

IPA/ˈælfəbətaɪz/
KK[ˈælfəbətˌaɪz]IPA/ˈælfəbətaɪz/

alphabetize — verb

  • alphabetizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • alphabetizeshe / she / it
  • alphabetizedpast simple
  • alphabetizing-ing form

1. to put names, words, or other listed items into the A-to-Z sequence used by the

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to put names, words, or other listed items into the A-to-Z sequence used by the alphabet.

Example

Please alphabetize the class list before the parents arrive.

imperative: alphabetize + list

Nina alphabetized the recipe cards and put them back in the kitchen box.

Common collocations
  • alphabetize a list
  • alphabetize the files
  • alphabetize the names
  • alphabetize by last name
Synonyms
  • sort

    more general; the items may be arranged by size, date, or another system, not only by letters

  • arrange

    broad everyday word that does not state what order is used

  • file

    often used for putting papers or records into their proper place after sorting

Grammar Patterns

alphabetize + noun

alphabetize + noun + by + category

Usage Note

Usually takes a list, set of names, or group of files as its object. Often followed by 'by' when you name the sorting key, as in 'alphabetize the students by last name'; British spelling often uses 'alphabetise'.

Common Mistakes

Please alphabetize the names by alphabet.
Please alphabetize the names.
'alphabetize' already includes the idea of letter order.
The assistant alphabetized by last name the list.
The assistant alphabetized the list by last name.
put the object before the 'by' phrase.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Alphabetize' is specific: it means putting items into letter order, usually from A to Z. 'Sort' is broader and can use any system, such as date, price, or size. 'Arrange' is also general and often focuses on making things neat, without telling you the method. 'Order' can mean putting things in a sequence, but it may be numerical, logical, or alphabetical. 'File' usually means putting papers, records, or digital documents into the place where they belong, often after they have been alphabetized. So you can sort emails by date, arrange books on a shelf, or file student records in a cabinet, but if the names go from Adams to Wong, you alphabetize them.

alphabetize ↗sort ↗arrange ↗order ↗file ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • alphabetize a list
  • alphabetize names
  • alphabetize files
  • alphabetize records

Adverbs

  • carefully alphabetize
  • automatically alphabetize

Phrases

  • alphabetize from A to Z
  • alphabetize the roster
  • alphabetize the class list

Prepositions

  • alphabetize by first name
  • alphabetize by last name
  • alphabetize under a letter

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

'Alphabetize' was formed in English by adding the verb ending '-ize' to 'alphabet'. 'Alphabet' itself goes back through Latin to the Greek names 'alpha' and 'beta', the first two letters. The result is a verb meaning 'put into alphabet order'. A British spelling, 'alphabetise', is built in exactly the same way.