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Lexicon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lexicon

[ˈlɛksɪkən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dictionary

A lexicon is a collection of words and phrases in a language, arranged alphabetically with definitions and often including information about pronunciation, usage, and etymology.

Synonyms

dictionary, vocabulary, wordbook.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lexicon

This seems to be a repetition. Please refer to the first entry for 'lexicon'.

  • Not applicable
vocabulary

Refers to the body of words used in a particular language, by an individual, or within a specific field. Often used in education and personal development contexts.

  • Reading regularly can help expand your vocabulary
  • The student's vocabulary has improved significantly over the semester
wordbook

Less commonly used, typically refers to a book that lists words, often used in historical or regional contexts.

  • The old-fashioned wordbook was a treasure trove of archaic terms
  • She consulted the wordbook for regional dialects while writing her novel
dictionary

Used to describe a reference book or online resource that lists words and their meanings, pronunciations, and other details. Suitable for everyday use.

  • I consulted the dictionary to find the meaning of 'serendipity
  • ' When learning a new language, a good dictionary is essential

Examples of usage

  • I use the lexicon to look up the meanings of unfamiliar words.
  • The lexicon helped me understand the origin of the word.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

In linguistics, the lexicon refers to the complete set of all possible words in a language, including their meanings, forms, and relationships.

Synonyms

vocabulary, wordlist, wordstock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lexicon

Used in more formal or academic settings to refer to the vocabulary of a specific language, person, field, or subject.

  • The lexicon of medical terminology can be quite complex.
  • Scholars are studying the ancient lexicon of the Sumerian language.
vocabulary

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the collection of words a person knows or uses in a particular language.

  • Her English vocabulary is growing every day.
  • Learning new vocabulary is essential for mastering a language.
wordstock

An uncommon term, mostly used in specialized or literary contexts to denote the total set of words used within a particular language or by an individual.

  • The rich wordstock of Shakespeare's works continues to influence modern English.
  • The wordstock of the English language has evolved over centuries.
wordlist

Typically used in educational contexts, especially when referring to lists of words compiled for learning or testing purposes.

  • Students are required to memorize a wordlist for the spelling test.
  • The teacher provided a wordlist of common adjectives.

Examples of usage

  • The lexicon of English includes thousands of words.
  • Studying the lexicon of a language is essential for understanding its structure.

Translations

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

Origin of 'lexicon'

The word 'lexicon' originated from the Greek word 'lexikon biblion', meaning 'word book'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to a dictionary or vocabulary specific to a particular subject or language. Over time, its usage expanded to include the broader linguistic sense of the complete set of words in a language.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,443, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.