Vocabulary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
vocabulary
[vษหkรฆbjสlษri ]
Definitions
study
A list or collection of words and their meanings, often organized alphabetically.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vocabulary |
Refers to the collection of words known and used by a person, group, or profession. Often used in educational contexts.
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| lexicon |
A complete set of words within a language or a specific branch of knowledge. Often used in academic or specialized fields.
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| word list |
A simple list of words, often used for educational purposes or to provide a quick reference. Not necessarily accompanied by definitions.
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| glossary |
A list of terms and their definitions usually found at the end of a book or document. Common in textbooks, technical documents, and official reports.
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Examples of usage
- She expanded her vocabulary by learning a new word every day.
- He used a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words in his vocabulary.
language
The words used in a particular language or by a particular person or group of people.
Synonyms
jargon, language, terminology.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vocabulary |
Use when referring to the set of words known and used by a person or group, especially in a general context.
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| terminology |
Use when referring to the set of technical words or expressions used in a particular subject or field.
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| jargon |
Use when referring to specialized or technical words that are used by a particular profession or group and may be difficult for others to understand.
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| language |
Use when referring to the method of communication, either spoken or written, that is particular to a community or country.
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Examples of usage
- The vocabulary of English has many loanwords from other languages.
- His extensive vocabulary allowed him to express himself eloquently.
range
The range of words known or used by a person or group.
Synonyms
lexicon, repertoire, word stock.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| vocabulary |
Used in general contexts to refer to a person's knowledge of words or the set of words used in a particular language or subject.
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| repertoire |
Mainly used to refer to a collection of skills, abilities, or performances that a person or group regularly uses or can perform. It is not exclusive to words and can include songs, plays, etc.
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| lexicon |
Often used in more formal or academic contexts to refer to the complete set of words in a language or a specific thematic set of words.
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| word stock |
Generally used in linguistic contexts to refer to the total set of words available in a language or used by an individual.
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Examples of usage
- She has a limited vocabulary when it comes to technical terms.
- The writer's rich vocabulary enhanced the depth of his writing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- A rich vocabulary is linked to better cognitive skills and academic performance in both children and adults.
- Studies show that reading extensively can help increase oneโs vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- People with larger vocabularies often exhibit higher self-esteem and confidence when communicating.
Language Learning
- Language learners are encouraged to focus on commonly used words, often referred to as 'core vocabulary', to facilitate quicker comprehension.
- Flash cards and digital apps are popular tools for expanding one's vocabulary effectively.
- Bilingual individuals often have a unique vocabulary that reflects their cultural influences, containing words that do not have direct translations.
Pop Culture
- In popular media, characters with extensive vocabularies are often portrayed as intelligent or witty, influencing audience perceptions.
- Rap and hip-hop artists have raised the bar for vocabulary use in music, incorporating complex words and poetic techniques into their lyrics.
- Games like Scrabble and Words With Friends have popularized the idea of expanding one's vocabulary as a fun, competitive activity.
Education
- Vocabulary instruction in schools has been shown to significantly impact reading comprehension and writing skills.
- Educators often utilize interactive methods such as word mapping and semantic gradients to enhance vocabulary learning.
- Research indicates that vocabulary acquisition is a lifelong process, with adults continuing to expand their word knowledge through various life experiences.
Origin of 'vocabulary'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'vocabulum', meaning 'a name or word'.
- It was first used in the English language in the early 17th century to refer to a body of words.
- The root 'vocare' in Latin means 'to call', indicating the importance of words in communication.
The word 'vocabulary' comes from the Latin word 'vocabularium', meaning a list of words. It entered the English language in the 16th century. Over time, the term has evolved to refer not only to a list of words but also to the range of words known or used by a person or in a particular language. Developing a diverse vocabulary is essential for effective communication and language comprehension.