Alphabetize is a verb meaning "to arrange in alphabetical order". Historically, it is from alphabet + -ize; from Latin alphabētum, from Ancient Greek álphabētos, from the first two Greek letter names álpha and bêta. The visible construction is part of the etymology: alphabetize is not just an unanalyzed simple word. The modern meaning, "to arrange in alphabetical order", follows the base word through the added English ending. The historical chain links Latin alphabētum with Ancient Greek álpha bêta. Close English family members include alphabetization, alphabetizer, alphabet, and alphabetic.