alphabetic character
- noun
- /ˌælfəˈbɛtɪk ˈkɛrɪktər/
:
carácter alfabético
- When writing, it's important to use alphabetic characters to form clear words.
Examples
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Each alphabetic character represents a different sound in the English language.
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How does our brain provide us with the use of alphabetic characters without thought?
Academic text (2010) -
In the English alphabet, the letter 'C' is an alphabetic character that can sound like 'k' or 's'.
Synonyms
972
1.0
A written or printed mark that stands for a sound in an alphabet
136
3.2
A written sign such as a letter or number
73
2.7
A mark, like a letter, that stands for something
15
8.9
A carved or written sign that stands for something in writing
8
1.0
A written sign that stands for a sound in a language, like A or B
A sign that stands for a sound, syllable, or word
A written mark, like a letter, that stands for a sound or idea
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'alphabetic' (relating to an alphabet) modifying 'character' (a written symbol), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a letter/symbol of an alphabet. This adjective+noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, making it immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Alphabetic character comes from the names of the first two letters, alpha and beta, and from character, a word for a written mark or sign, so the phrase gives the picture of a single written letter. That's why it means 'a letter or symbol in the alphabet'.