Indexes vs. Indices — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Indexes and Indices are both plurals of "index" but are used in different contexts, with "Indexes" commonly used generally and "Indices" in mathematical and scientific contexts.
Difference Between Indexes and Indices
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Indexes" and "Indices" are interchangeable to a certain extent but have nuanced uses in different contexts. "Indexes" is widely employed in general English and pertains to multiple instances of an index in various contexts, like in books or databases.
On the other hand, "Indices" is frequently utilized within mathematical, scientific, and financial contexts to refer to multiple instances of indexes. The preference for "Indices" in specific domains underscores the diverse application and usage traditions of the word.
While "Indexes" can be effortlessly used in diverse scenarios, such as in libraries, databases, or referencing in books, "Indices" often refers to statistical measures or other forms of quantitative data representation in specialized fields.
When looking into the stock market, for example, you might encounter both terms. "Indexes" could refer to several types of market indexes in a general sense, while "Indices" might be applied to various statistical measures or specific market indicators.
Understanding the nuanced difference between "Indexes" and "Indices" is essential for precise communication, especially in academic, scientific, and financial communications where specific terminological traditions and accuracy are paramount.
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Comparison Chart
General Usage
Common
Less Common
Scientific Context
Less Preferred
Preferred
Financial Context
Can be Used
Often Used
Mathematical Context
Less Preferred
Preferred
Example Usage
Library Indexes
Price Indices
Compare with Definitions
Indexes
Sequentially arranged guides
The library’s indexes ease the search for books.
Indices
Mathematical exponents
The numerical indices provide exponential values in equations.
Indexes
Reference tables in books
The book's indexes guide readers through the chapters.
Indices
Statistic measures
Economic indices reflect various economic aspects and trends.
Indexes
Alphabetical list at the back of a book
The book's indexes helped find topics quickly.
Indices
Descriptive markers in data
The data’s indices illuminate patterns and abnormalities.
Indexes
Indicators or measures
The economic indexes hint at market trends.
Indices
Guides for measurement
Indices in research assist in quantifying observations.
Indexes
Database search keys
The database uses multiple indexes for fast retrieval.
Indices
Financial market indicators
Market indices like the S&P 500 track financial trends.
Indexes
An alphabetized list of names, places, and subjects treated in a printed work, giving the page or pages on which each item is mentioned.
Indices
A plural of index.
Indexes
A thumb index.
Indices
See Index.
Indexes
A table, file, or catalog.
Indexes
(Computers) A list of keywords associated with a record or document, used especially as an aid in searching for information.
Indexes
Something that reveals or indicates; a sign
"Her face ... was a fair index to her disposition" (Samuel Butler).
Indexes
A character (☞) used in printing to call attention to a particular paragraph or section. Also called hand.
Indexes
An indicator or pointer, as on a scientific instrument.
Indexes
(Mathematics) A number or symbol, often written as a subscript or superscript to a mathematical expression, that indicates an operation to be performed, an ordering relation, or a use of the associated expression.
Indexes
A number derived from a formula, used to characterize a set of data.
Indexes
A statistical value that represents the price or value of an aggregate of goods, services, wages, or other measurable quantities in comparison with a reference number for a previous period of time.
Indexes
A number that represents the change in price or value of stocks or other securities in a particular market, sector, or asset class.
Indexes
The stocks or other securities represented by an index.
Indexes
Index Roman Catholic Church A list formerly published by Church authority, restricting or forbidding the reading of certain books.
Indexes
To furnish with an index
Index a book.
Indexes
To enter in an index.
Indexes
To indicate or signal.
Indexes
To adjust through indexation.
Indexes
Plural of index
Common Curiosities
Are database keys called Indexes?
Yes, database keys can be referred to as "Indexes."
Does mathematics prefer Indices?
Yes, "Indices" is the preferred term in mathematical contexts for exponents.
Can I use Indexes in a book?
Absolutely, "Indexes" is commonly used to refer to alphabetical listings in books.
Can I use Indices in general English?
Yes, but "Indexes" is typically more common in general English.
Are Indices prevalent in scientific papers?
Yes, "Indices" is often used in scientific contexts.
Can I find Indexes in libraries?
Yes, libraries utilize "Indexes" to help locate books.
Are Indexes and Indices interchangeable?
To an extent, yes, but "Indices" is often preferred in mathematical and scientific contexts.
Does an index in a book have several Indexes?
Yes, a book can have several "Indexes" for various sections.
Is Indices used in finance?
Yes, "Indices" is often used in finance, as in "stock market indices."
Do Indices indicate multiple exponential numbers?
Yes, "Indices" refers to exponents in mathematics.
Do both terms originate from "Index"?
Yes, both "Indexes" and "Indices" are plurals of "Index."
Is "Indexes" widely used in various disciplines?
Yes, "Indexes" enjoys broad application across various fields.
Can Indices represent statistical data points?
Absolutely, "Indices" can represent various statistical data points.
Are market Indices commonplace in financial news?
Yes, you’ll frequently encounter "Indices" in financial contexts.
Is "Indexes" applied in database management?
Yes, "Indexes" is a common term in database management systems.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
