abc

Everyday

1. the ABC (or ABCs): the alphabet, the letters A to Z. tree →
2. The ABC of something: the simplest basic facts about it. tree →
3. (abbreviation) ABC is also the name of big TV and radio companies: the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the American Broadcasting Company. tree →
4. «Easy as ABC» means very easy. tree →

In the lessons

In early lessons children learn their ABC or ABCs and sing the alphabet song. In everyday talk «the ABC of cooking» means the basics. In Australia «the ABC» usually means the national TV and radio. Phrases: «learn your ABCs», «as easy as ABC», «ABC book».

Examples

• My little sister is learning her ABC. tree →
• We sang the ABC song in nursery. tree →
• This book teaches the ABC of looking after a pet. tree →
• Fractions are as easy as ABC once you understand them. tree →
• We watched the news on the ABC in Sydney. tree →
• An ABC book has a picture for every letter. tree →

Note

Usually written in capitals: ABC. Say it as three letters: «ay-bee-see». In the USA «ABCs» is common, in the UK «ABC». Not a word in its own right but letters used as a name.