encyclopedical
Definition
- Adjective:
- Pertaining to an encyclopedia: "encyclopedical" describes something that relates to or is characteristic of an encyclopedia, which is a comprehensive reference work covering many branches of knowledge.
- Comprehensive in scope: It can also mean having the wide-ranging, detailed, and systematic nature of an encyclopedia, often implying thorough and extensive knowledge.
Usage Examples
- (The book covers a vast range of topics about ancient civilizations, like an encyclopedia.)
- (Her knowledge is extremely broad and detailed, similar to the content of an encyclopedia.)
Advanced Usage
- "encyclopedical dictionary": A dictionary that provides detailed, encyclopedic-style explanations rather than just definitions.
- He consulted an encyclopedical dictionary for the history of the term. (He used a reference work that combines dictionary entries with encyclopedic information.)
Variants and Related Words
- Encyclopedia (n): a book or set of books giving information on many subjects or on many aspects of one subject, typically arranged alphabetically.
- The library has a complete set of encyclopedias. (A collection of reference books.)
- Encyclopedic (adj): a more common variant meaning the same as "encyclopedical"; covering a wide range of subjects or knowledge.
- He has an encyclopedic memory for historical dates. (His memory is vast and detailed.)
- Encyclopaedical (adj): an alternative spelling of "encyclopedical," used mainly in British English.
Synonyms
- Comprehensive: covering all or nearly all elements of something.
- Exhaustive: including every possible detail; thorough.
- All-embracing: including everything; universal in scope.
Related Idioms
- Walkin encyclopedia: a person who knows a great deal about many subjects, comparable to an encyclopedia.
- Ask him any question about science; he's a walking encyclopedia. (He has extensive knowledge.)