noun
Common
ABC
ABC (noun) means the alphabet, or the basics of a subject. Example: “Children learn their ABCs before they start reading.”
noun
1
The alphabet, or the basics of a subject.
"Children learn their ABCs before they start reading."
"The book covers the ABCs of investing for beginners."
How to use ABC
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the alphabet itself or, used figuratively, the very basic first steps of learning something.
Common pairings
the ABCs of
as easy as ABC
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Children learn their _____ before they start reading.
Etymology
Came into English from Middle English abece, ABC, taken from the first three letters of the Latin alphabet, used to stand for the whole alphabet.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “ABC” mean?
The word “ABC” means the alphabet, or the basics of a subject. In plain terms, either the alphabet itself or, used figuratively, the very basic first steps of learning something.
How do you use “ABC” in a sentence?
Here is “ABC” used in a sentence: “Children learn their ABCs before they start reading.”
What part of speech is “ABC”?
“ABC” is a noun.
Is “ABC” a common word?
“ABC” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'ABC' and 'alphabet'?
'ABC' (often written 'ABCs') is an informal name for the alphabet or for the basics of a subject, while 'alphabet' is the standard, neutral term for the full set of letters. 'ABC' also carries the extra sense of elementary fundamentals, as in 'the ABCs of cooking.'
Is the plural written 'ABCs' or 'ABC's'?
The plural is usually written 'ABCs' without an apostrophe. The form 'ABC's' with an apostrophe is generally reserved for possessives, as in 'the ABC's importance.'
Can 'ABC' refer to the basics of any subject?
Yes. Beyond the alphabet, 'the ABCs of' something refers to its most fundamental principles, as in 'the ABCs of investing' or 'the ABCs of first aid.'
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