Encyclopedic: meaning, definitions and examples
📚
encyclopedic
[ ɛnˈsaɪkləˌpiːdɪk ]
knowledge context
The term 'encyclopedic' refers to a comprehensive and thorough range of knowledge encompassing many areas of study. It is often used to describe a work or a person's understanding that is vast and detailed, covering a wide array of subjects. An encyclopedic mind is one that retains information across diverse topics and can recall it effectively. The term is frequently associated with encyclopedias, which are compendiums of knowledge providing summaries and explanations on numerous subjects.
Synonyms
all-encompassing, comprehensive, cosmopolitan, extensive.
Examples of usage
- She has an encyclopedic knowledge of art history.
- The lecture was truly encyclopedic, covering everything from physics to philosophy.
- His encyclopedic approach to the subject impressed the audience.
- The encyclopedic reference book was a valuable resource for researchers.
Translations
Translations of the word "encyclopedic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 enciclopédico
🇮🇳 विश्वकोशीय
🇩🇪 enzyklopädisch
🇮🇩 ensiklopedis
🇺🇦 енциклопедичний
🇵🇱 encyklopedyczny
🇯🇵 百科事典的な
🇫🇷 encyclopédique
🇪🇸 enciclopédico
🇹🇷 ansiklopedik
🇰🇷 백과사전적인
🇸🇦 موسوعي
🇨🇿 encyklopedický
🇸🇰 encyklopedický
🇨🇳 百科全书的
🇸🇮 enciklopedijski
🇮🇸 alfræðilegur
🇰🇿 энциклопедиялық
🇬🇪 ენციკლოპედიური
🇦🇿 ensiklopedik
🇲🇽 enciclopédico
Etymology
The word 'encyclopedic' derives from the term 'encyclopaedia', which comes from the Greek 'enkuklios paideia', meaning 'cyclical education' or 'general education'. It reflects the idea of acquiring a broad and complete understanding of various subjects, akin to the idea of a well-rounded education. The term began to gain prominence during the Renaissance when scholars sought to gather and compile knowledge from multiple fields into comprehensive works. The first encyclopedias created were intended as educational tools that provided a synopsis of scholarly knowledge in a time when information was less accessible. Over the centuries, the meaning has evolved, and today, 'encyclopedic' is used to describe anything that is exhaustive and thorough in its coverage and accuracy.