little dictionary
Noun: A small, portable reference book containing an alphabetical list of words, typically with their meanings, pronunciations, and other linguistic information. It is characterized by its compact size, designed for convenience and ease of carrying.
This term refers specifically to a physical dictionary of a small format. It emphasizes portability over comprehensiveness. - She always kept a little dictionary in her backpack for her language class. - Before the trip, he bought a little dictionary to help with basic phrases.
The term can be used figuratively to describe a person who has memorized or knows a limited set of information on a subject, though this is less common. - He's a walking little dictionary of baseball statistics from the 1990s.
- Pocket Dictionary: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "little dictionary."
- Compact Dictionary: Emphasizes the space-saving design.
- Abridged Dictionary: A shortened version of a larger work, which may result in a "little dictionary," but focuses on the editorial process of reduction.
- Pocket dictionary
- Mini-dictionary
- Compact dictionary
- Unabridged dictionary
- Comprehensive dictionary
- Desk dictionary
- To be no/not in the dictionary: An idiom meaning something is not acceptable or recognized. While not containing the target phrase, it relates to the concept of a dictionary as an authority.
- His rude behavior is not in the dictionary of professional conduct.
- a dictionary that is small enough to carry in your pocket