noun
ideography
ih-dee-OG-ruh-fee
Ideography (noun) means a system of writing that uses symbols to represent ideas rather than sounds. Example: “Some early number and traffic symbols function as a simple form of ideography.”
noun
1
A system of writing that uses symbols to represent ideas rather than sounds.
"Some early number and traffic symbols function as a simple form of ideography."
"The lecture compared ideography with alphabetic writing systems."
"The museum display explained the basics of ideography for visitors unfamiliar with the term."
How to use ideography
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWriting that uses symbols to stand for ideas rather than sounds.
When to use it
A technical term used mainly in linguistics and the study of writing systems.
Memory tip
Do not confuse it with ideology; ideography is about writing symbols, not beliefs.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
system of ideography
early ideography
form of ideography
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Some early number and traffic symbols function as a simple form of _____.
Etymology
Formed from the combining form ideo- together with the suffix -graphy.
Synonyms
View more →
semasiography
logography
Rhymes for ideography
geography
biography
demography
tomography
topography
lithography
iconography
mammography
discography
paleography
photography
pornography
See all rhymes for ideography →
Frequently asked questions
What does "ideography" mean?
It refers to a writing system in which symbols stand for ideas rather than for sounds or words.
How is ideography different from an alphabet?
An alphabet represents sounds of speech, while ideography represents ideas directly through symbols.
Is ideography the same as logography?
The two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably to describe symbol-based writing systems.
What is the meaning of ideography?
"ideography" (noun) means a system of writing that uses symbols to represent ideas rather than sounds.
