vocabulary
- Noun:
- The body of words used in a particular language or by a particular person, group, profession, or field of activity: This is the most common meaning, referring to the set of words known or used.
- A list or collection of words, often with definitions, arranged alphabetically: This refers to a specific, often printed, compilation of words, such as in a glossary or a section of a textbook.
- The range or system of techniques, symbols, or methods used in a particular art, science, or field: This is a specialized, often metaphorical, use of the word to describe the set of available elements in a non-linguistic system.
- Noun:
- Reading regularly is an excellent way to expand your vocabulary.
- The technical vocabulary of computer programming includes terms like "algorithm" and "syntax".
- The textbook includes a vocabulary at the end of each chapter.
- The artist developed a unique visual vocabulary in her paintings.
"Active vocabulary" vs. "Passive vocabulary": These terms distinguish between words a person can use correctly (active) and words a person only recognizes or understands when encountered (passive).
- My active vocabulary in French is quite small, but my passive vocabulary is much larger from reading.
"Vocabulary acquisition": A term used in linguistics and education to describe the process of learning new words.
- Children show rapid vocabulary acquisition in their early years.
Lexicon (n): The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge (often more technical than "vocabulary").
- The lexicon of ancient Greek is studied by classicists.
Glossary (n): An alphabetical list of terms with definitions, specific to a particular subject or text.
- Check the glossary for unfamiliar scientific terms.
- Word stock: The total set of words in a language.
- Lexis: The total stock of words in a language (a linguistic term).
"Vocabulary list": A specific list of words to be learned or studied.
- The teacher gave us a vocabulary list to memorize for the test.
"Vocabulary building": The activity or process of increasing one's vocabulary.
- Crossword puzzles are a popular tool for vocabulary building.
"To have a limited vocabulary": To know and use a relatively small number of words.
- The character was written to have a limited vocabulary, which made his dialogue simple.
"A rich vocabulary": To know and use a wide and varied range of words effectively.
- Her essays are always impressive because she has such a rich vocabulary.
- the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts)
- he introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques
- a language user's knowledge of words
- a listing of the words used in some enterprise