The term “index” comes from the Latin word “index,” which means “sign,” “pointer,” or “indicator.” This is derived from the Latin root “indicare,” meaning “to point out” or “to indicate.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*deik-” means “to show” or “to point.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin word “indicare” developed, meaning “to point out” or “to indicate.” The noun “index” was derived from “indicare,” meaning “sign,” “pointer,” or “indicator.”
3. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Latin term “index” was adopted into Middle English, retaining the meaning of “a list of names or topics that are referred to in a book, usually with page numbers.”
4. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “index” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, retaining the meaning of “a list of names, subjects, etc., with references to the places where they occur, typically found at the end of a book.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “index” has remained relatively stable from Latin to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Index is often used to describe a list of names, subjects, etc., with references to the places where they occur, typically found at the end of a book.”
- “Another example of ‘index’ in a sentence is ‘She used the index to quickly find the topic she was looking for in the book.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “index” was significantly influenced by its use in books and other written works to help readers find specific information quickly. Indexes have been essential for organizing content and providing easy access to topics and references within a text.
The word “index” reflects the concept of a pointer or indicator, emphasizing the importance of organization, accessibility, and reference in written works. It underscores the role of indexes in enhancing the usability and navigability of books and other documents, making information retrieval more efficient for readers.