Dictionary

alphabetarian en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˌæl.fə.bəˈtɛɹi.ən/ (General-American)
• /ˌæl.fə.bəˈtɛəɹi.ən/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• (UK) audio

Etymology

Etymology tree Ancient Greek ἀλφάβητος (alphábētos) Byzantine Greek ἀλφάβητον (alphábēton)der. Classical Latin alphabētumbor. Middle English alphabete English alphabet English -arian English alphabetarian From alphabet + -arian.

Meanings

1. One who is learning the alphabet; an abecedarian.
2. A novice or ignoramus.
   • The young alphabetarian had acquired sufficient learning to lead him to yearn for more; enough to stir his imagination; to give him notions. 1963, Forbes Parkhill, Mister Barney Ford: A Portrait in Bistre:
   • The archbishop was derided in ballads as an "alphabetarian," who had burnt books which he could not read. 1873, James Craigie Robertson, History of the Christian Church: A.D. 64-1517:
   • I know also from experience that when an alphabetarian allows himself to use diacritical accents, he multiplies them excessively... 1867, Philological Society, Transactions of the Philological Society:

Forms