Bibliography Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“š
Add to dictionary

bibliography

[หŒbษชblioสŠหˆษกrษ‘หfi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

academic writing

A bibliography is a list of the sources that were referenced or consulted in the preparation of a written work. It provides readers with the necessary information to locate these sources for further reading or verification. Bibliographies are commonly found at the end of essays, research papers, and books to credit the authors and works that influenced the writing. Different formatting styles exist, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, each with its own rules for structuring the bibliography.

Synonyms

literature list, reference list, works cited.

Examples of usage

  • She included a comprehensive bibliography in her thesis.
  • The bibliography listed over fifty sources.
  • It's essential to compile a bibliography for academic integrity.
  • He referenced several key texts in his bibliography.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Academic Importance

  • A well-prepared bibliography allows readers to trace the research path and verify sources.
  • In many educational settings, including universities, failing to include a bibliography can be considered plagiarism.

Formatting Styles

  • Common styles for bibliographies include APA, MLA, and Chicago, each with specific formatting rules.
  • Different disciplines favor different citation styles: humanities tend to prefer MLA, while sciences often use APA.

Pop Culture

  • Bibliographies appear as end sections in many beloved books and academic works, highlighting the research behind stories.
  • Some famous authors have created extensive bibliographies detailing their influences and previous works.

Research Practices

  • The process of creating a bibliography encourages careful documentation and analysis of sources.
  • With the rise of digital tools, students can now use citation management software to streamline bibliography creation.

Origin of 'bibliography'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'biblion' meaning 'book' and 'graphia' which means 'writing'.
  • It has been used in academic circles since the 17th century to reference sources of information.

The word 'bibliography' originates from the Greek roots 'biblion', meaning 'book', and 'graphein', meaning 'to write'. The term has evolved over centuries, appearing in various forms throughout history. In the Renaissance period, the practice of listing books became more systematic, and the idea of documenting sources was emphasized, particularly in scholarly works. The 18th century saw the formalization of bibliographic methods, leading to the establishment of citation styles like APA and MLA in the 20th century. Today, bibliographies play a critical role in academia, ensuring that authors give credit to original ideas and research.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,730 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.