ideographic

adjective

ideo·​graph·​ic
-fēk
Synonyms of ideographicnext
1
: consisting of or characterized by the use of ideograms
an ideographic script
the ideographic stage in the development of writing
2
: being an ideogram
an ideographic sign
3
: of or relating to an ideogram
these characters had sometimes an ideographic, and sometimes a phonetic valueDavid Diringer
ideographically
-fə̇k(ə)lē How to pronounce ideographic (audio)
-fēk-
-li
adverb

Word History

Etymology

ideo- + -graphic

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideographic was in 1822

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Cite this Entry

“Ideographic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideographic. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

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