Vocabulary

Definition

Vocabulary is a noun meaning (1) the body of words used in a particular language; (2) the set of words known and used by a person or group; or (3) a list or collection of words with explanations, such as in a glossary or dictionary. It can also denote the range of language elements in a specific field, subject, or style.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /voʊˈkæbjəˌlɛri/
• Respelling: voh-KAB-yuh-lair-ee

British English

• IPA: /vəʊˈkæbjʊləri/
• Respelling: vuh-KAB-yuh-luh-ree

Etymology

Late 16th century: from Medieval Latin vocabularium “a list of words,” from Latin vocabulum “word, name,” from vocare “to call.” Originally meaning “a listing of words with definitions,” the term broadened to denote the words known and used by a speaker or community.

Derivatives

• lexical vocabulary — the words and fixed expressions of a language
• active vocabulary — words a person regularly uses
• passive vocabulary — words a person recognizes but does not often use
• vocab (informal abbreviation)

Synonyms

• lexicon
• word stock
• word list
• glossary
• terminology

Antonyms

• (No exact antonym) — near-opposites: silence, wordlessness, inarticulacy

Usage

Noun: “Children rapidly expand their vocabulary in the early years of life.” / “The specialized vocabulary of medicine can be difficult for outsiders to understand.” / “He studied English vocabulary every day to prepare for the exam.”

Related Terms

• Lexicon: The full set of words in a language or a subject.
• Glossary: A list of specialized words with explanations, often at the end of a book.
• Terminology: The technical vocabulary of a particular field.
• Dictionary: A reference work listing words, meanings, and usage.
• Word bank: An educational collection of words for practice or study.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The body of words used in a language or by a particular group.
  • Example: “The English vocabulary has absorbed words from many languages.”
• The words known and used by a person.
  • Example: “Her vocabulary has grown since she started reading novels.”
• A list or collection of words with explanations.
  • Example: “The textbook includes a vocabulary section at the end of each chapter.”
• The range or repertoire of expressions in a particular field or style.
  • Example: “Architecture has a visual vocabulary of forms and motifs.”