Semitic alphabets are writing systems used by Semitic languages, which include languages like Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic. These alphabets are primarily consonantal, meaning they represent consonants while vowels are often omitted or indicated with diacritics. This structure allows for a compact representation of words, making it distinct from many other writing systems. The origins of Semitic alphabets can be traced back to ancient scripts, such as the Phoenician alphabet, which influenced many other writing systems, including Greek and Latin. Over time, various Semitic languages adapted these alphabets to suit their phonetic needs, leading to the development of unique scripts for each language.