Basic Details
Word: Index
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An alphabetical list at the back of a book that shows the pages where each topic appears; also a number that shows how something, such as prices, changes.
Synonyms: list, catalogue, directory
How to Spell Index
Syllables: in - dex
Tricky part: It is short, but students write indecks or indix. The last part is dex with a single x.
Watch out for: indecks, indix, endex
Memory tip: An index points you to the right page, and your index finger is your pointing finger. Point, then write in + dex.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Check the index to find the page on the Mughal emperors.
Example 2: She wore her grandmother's ring on her index finger.
Example 3: The weather report gave the day's UV index as very high.
Fun Fact
Index has two plurals: indexes, used for the lists at the back of books, and indices, used mostly in maths and science.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. index 2. apendix 3. glosary 4. bibliografy
a) extra material added at the end of a book
b) an alphabetical list of topics and the pages where they appear
c) a list of difficult words with their meanings
d) a list of the books and sources used in a piece of writing
Show answer
b) an alphabetical list of topics and the pages where they appear. Index is the only correct spelling; glossary and appendix each need a double letter, and bibliography ends in phy.
Word Connection
Choose the word closest in meaning to index as used in the sentence:
The librarian keeps a card index of every book in the reading room.
a) shelf
b) cover
c) catalogue
d) chapter
Show answer
c) catalogue. A card index lists all the books in order, which is a catalogue.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
Instead of reading the whole textbook, Meera turned to the indix at the back, found the page on volcanoes and finished her project before dinner.
a) volcanoes
b) project
c) indix
d) textbook
Show answer
c) indix. The second syllable is dex, with an e, as in next.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Your index finger is the one ____.
a) in the middle of your hand
b) on your foot
c) at the edge of your hand
d) next to your thumb
Show answer
d) next to your thumb
2. A price index helps us see ____.
a) who invented money
b) how prices change over time
c) how to spell prices
d) where a shop is
Show answer
b) how prices change over time
