Compendium: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to refer to a comprehensive yet concise collection of information on a particular subject, often in book form.

• The professor compiled a compendium of medieval literature for her students
• The museum’s compendium of artifacts offers detailed descriptions for each piece

Used to denote a group of items, often gathered over time and sometimes for a specific purpose, not necessarily in a summarized manner.

• He has a collection of vintage cars that he showcases every summer
• The library boasts a vast collection of rare manuscripts

Used when providing a brief statement that covers the main points or key details of something longer or more complex.

• The last page of the paper contains a summary of the main findings
• Can you give me a quick summary of the meeting?

Used for a brief summary or general review of a subject, not going into deep details.

• The presentation began with an overview of the company’s recent achievements
• Before diving into specifics, the report provided an overview of the research findings