What is index? Pronunciation and usage in English

index means . Learn how to pronounce and use index through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of index

indexnoun

/ˈɪndɛks/
Definition & pronunciation of index

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "index" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends on where you are (US vs. UK).

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈɪndɪks/ (approximately: "IN-dicks")
  • Breakdown:
    • IN: as in "in" a box.
    • dicks: This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "dicks" (rhymes with "bricks"), but with a soft "k" sound. Don't be startled! It's a very common pronunciation.

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /ˈɪndɛks/ (approximately: "IN-decks")
  • Breakdown:
    • IN: as in "in" a box.
    • decks: Rhymes with "decks" (like in playing cards).

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Search: Just search "how to pronounce index" on Google and you'll find audio clips from both American and British pronunciations.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%25index - This website has native speakers pronounce the word for you.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/index - You can see how the word is pronounced in real-time videos.

To summarize, for most people, "IN-dicks" is the correct pronunciation in American English, while "IN-decks" is correct in British English.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of how to use the word?

Usage and examples with the word index in English

The word "index" has several meanings in English, so let's break them down with examples:

1. As a Noun (Most Common)

  • A List or Table: This is the most frequent use. It's a list of topics, names, or items with their corresponding page numbers (or reference points) in a book, document, or database.
    • Example: "I consulted the index at the back of the book to find the chapter on climate change."
    • Example: "The website's index allows you to quickly locate specific information."
  • A Numerical Listing: It can be a numbered list – think of the index of a mathematical textbook.
    • Example: "The index lists all the equations used in the chapter."

2. As a Verb

  • To List or Catalogue: To create or maintain an index.
    • Example: "The librarian indexed the collection of old manuscripts."
    • Example: "We need to index the data in this database for easier searching."
  • To Order or Arrange (Less Common): To put something in a particular order.
    • Example: "The lawyer indexed the evidence chronologically." (meaning he ordered it by date)

3. In Computer Science

  • A Data Structure: In programming and databases, an index is a data structure that improves the speed of searching data. It's like an "aide-mémoire" for the computer.
    • Example: "The database used an index to quickly retrieve customer records."
    • Example: "Creating an index on the 'last name' field will speed up searches."

4. In Finance

  • An Index Fund: A mutual fund that tries to match the performance of a specific market index (like the S&P 500).
    • Example: "Many investors use an S&P 500 index fund to gain exposure to the stock market."

5. Figuratively (Less Common)

  • A Point of Reference: Something that represents or stands for something else.
    • Example: "The politician’s speech was seen as an index of his future policies." (Meaning it showed what he planned to do.)

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right usage:

  • If you're talking about finding information in a book or document, use it as a noun (a list).
  • If you're talking about creating or maintaining a list, use it as a verb (to list or catalogue).
  • If you're talking about computer databases, use it to describe the data structure.

To help me give you even more tailored information, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking of when you want to use the word “index”? (e.g., are you writing a book, talking about a database, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word index

Practice with vocabulary index

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Researchers often consult the ______ at the back of academic journals to quickly locate specific articles by author or subject.
  2. The company's online ______ provides contact information for all departments and key personnel.
  3. Economists closely monitor the consumer price ______ as a key indicator of inflation.
  4. Upon arrival, all visitors are required to sign the guest ______ at the reception desk.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. Which of the following terms refers to an alphabetical list, often found at the end of a book, that points to where information on specific topics can be found? a) glossary b) bibliography c) index d) appendix e) table of contents

  2. Which visual aids are best for illustrating trends over time? a) an outline b) a chart c) a diagram d) a graph e) a timeline

  3. In which contexts can the word 'index' be appropriately used? a) Referring to a scale or measure (e.g., a stock market index). b) To describe the main storyline of a novel. c) To mean a pointer on a dial or gauge. d) To indicate a detailed list of names or subjects in a book. e) To denote a personal opinion or belief.

  4. Which of the following are primary tools for cataloging or listing physical items for sale or in storage? a) a bibliography b) an inventory c) a directory d) a catalogue e) a lexicon

  5. Which sentences correctly use 'index' in its various grammatical forms or meanings? a) The firm decided to index their bond portfolio to a market benchmark. b) Search engines index millions of web pages daily to make them searchable. c) The index finger is often used for pointing. d) The report included an extensive index of all cited sources. e) The committee indexed the meeting for future reference.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: To find out where specific topics are mentioned in the textbook, you should look at the comprehensive list at the back. Rewrite:

  2. Original: The growth rate of the economy significantly increased last quarter, indicating a strong financial period. Rewrite:

  3. Original: The librarian spent hours organizing and categorizing all the new acquisitions so users could easily find them. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. index
  2. directory
  3. index
  4. register

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) index
  2. b) a chart, d) a graph, e) a timeline
  3. a) Referring to a scale or measure (e.g., a stock market index). c) To mean a pointer on a dial or gauge. d) To indicate a detailed list of names or subjects in a book.
  4. b) an inventory, d) a catalogue
  5. a) The firm decided to index their bond portfolio to a market benchmark. b) Search engines index millions of web pages daily to make them searchable. c) The index finger is often used for pointing. d) The report included an extensive index of all cited sources.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: To find out where specific topics are mentioned in the textbook, you should consult the index at the back.
  2. Rewrite: The growth rate of the economy significantly increased last quarter, signaling a strong financial period.
  3. Rewrite: The librarian spent hours indexing all the new acquisitions so users could easily find them.

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