Vocabulary vs. Dictionary: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 24, 2023
"Vocabulary" refers to the set of words a person knows or uses, while a "Dictionary" is a book or online resource that provides definitions, pronunciations, and other details about words.
Key Differences
1. "Vocabulary" and "Dictionary" are both connected to language and words, but they serve different purposes. While "vocabulary" encompasses all the words an individual knows, recognizes, and uses, a "dictionary" is a compiled resource offering definitions, pronunciations, and sometimes the history of words.
2. Expanding one's "vocabulary" is about learning and internalizing more words, which can enhance communication and comprehension skills. Conversely, a "dictionary" is a tool that helps in this expansion by offering explanations and details about words that are unfamiliar or complex.
3. A person's "vocabulary" is dynamic, growing and evolving based on experiences, reading, education, and more. On the other hand, while dictionaries get updated, each edition of a "dictionary" remains static until a new one is published or an online version is refreshed.
4. "Vocabulary" can be specialized, with different fields having their own jargon and terms. For example, medical or legal "vocabulary" is distinct from everyday speech. A "dictionary," especially specialized ones, helps demystify these terms by providing concise definitions.
5. In teaching and learning contexts, "vocabulary" often refers to the list of words students are expected to learn in a specific period, whereas a "dictionary" is the reference tool they might use to understand and learn those words.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Set of words one knows or uses
Book or online resource giving word details
Purpose
Communication and comprehension
Explanation and understanding of words
Nature
Dynamic, evolves over time
Static per edition, but gets updated
Specializations
Can be specific to fields (e.g., medical vocabulary)
Can have specialized editions (e.g., medical dictionary)
Context in Learning
Words to be learned
Reference tool for word details
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Vocabulary and Dictionary Definitions
Vocabulary
The set of words known and used by a person.
Her vocabulary is expansive due to extensive reading.
Dictionary
A reference book containing words, usually with definitions.
I looked up the word in the dictionary.
Vocabulary
The body of words used in a particular language.
English vocabulary borrows from many other languages.
Dictionary
A book that lists and explains terms of a particular field.
Her botanical dictionary detailed various plant species.
Vocabulary
A list or collection of words or of words and phrases.
The teacher provided a vocabulary list for the test.
Dictionary
A resource that lists words of one language with translations to another.
He used an English-Spanish dictionary.
Vocabulary
Words pertaining to a particular field or subject.
Legal vocabulary can be hard to understand.
Dictionary
An electronic resource where words are defined and explained.
Online dictionaries are convenient and accessible.
Vocabulary
All the words of a language.
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and etymology.
Vocabulary
The sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group.
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in one language with their translations in another language.
Vocabulary
A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in a particular category or subject with specialized information about them
A medical dictionary.
Vocabulary
A supply of expressive means; a repertoire of communication
A dancer's vocabulary of movement.
Dictionary
A list of words stored in machine-readable form for reference, as by spelling-checking software.
Vocabulary
A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning.
Dictionary
A reference work with a list of words from one or more languages, normally ordered alphabetically, explaining each word's meanings (sense), and sometimes also containing information on its etymology, pronunciation, usage, semantic relations, and translations, as well as other data.
If you want to know the meaning of a word, look it up in the dictionary.
Vocabulary
The collection of words a person knows and uses.
My Russian vocabulary is very limited.
Dictionary
A synchronic dictionary of a standardised language held to only contain words that are properly part of the language.
Vocabulary
The stock of words used in a particular field.
The vocabulary of social sciences is often incomprehensible to ordinary people.
Dictionary
(by extension) Any work that has a list of material organized alphabetically; e.g., biographical dictionary, encyclopedic dictionary.
Vocabulary
The words of a language collectively; lexis.
The vocabulary of any language is influenced by contacts with other cultures.
Dictionary
(computing) An associative array, a data structure where each value is referenced by a particular key, analogous to words and definitions in a dictionary (sense 1).
Hash table
Vocabulary
(by extension) A range of artistic or stylistic forms or techniques.
Dictionary
(transitive) To look up in a dictionary.
Vocabulary
A list or collection of words arranged in alphabetical order and explained; a dictionary or lexicon, either of a whole language, a single work or author, a branch of science, or the like; a word-book.
Dictionary
(transitive) To add to a dictionary.
Vocabulary
A listing of the words used in some enterprise
Dictionary
To compile a dictionary.
Vocabulary
A language user's knowledge of words
Dictionary
A book containing the words of a language, arranged alphabetically, with explanations of their meanings; a lexicon; a vocabulary; a wordbook.
I applied myself to the perusal of our writers; and noting whatever might be of use to ascertain or illustrate any word or phrase, accumulated in time the materials of a dictionary.
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
Dictionary
Hence, a book containing the words belonging to any system or province of knowledge, arranged alphabetically; as, a dictionary of medicine or of botany; a biographical dictionary.
Vocabulary
A range or system of expressions.
Artistic vocabulary refers to the range of techniques an artist uses.
Dictionary
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
Dictionary
A reference containing information on a particular subject.
A medical dictionary explains medical terms.
FAQs
Is vocabulary static or dynamic?
Vocabulary is dynamic, continually evolving based on learning and experiences.
Can vocabulary size determine intelligence?
While a broad vocabulary can indicate extensive reading or knowledge, it's not a sole measure of intelligence.
How often are dictionaries updated?
Online dictionaries can be updated regularly, while print editions may have longer intervals between updates.
Are there dictionaries for specific fields?
Yes, there are specialized dictionaries for fields like medicine, law, and science.
Can one dictionary contain all words of a language?
No dictionary is exhaustive, but comprehensive ones aim to cover a vast majority of commonly used words.
Can vocabulary be improved using a dictionary?
Yes, a dictionary is a valuable tool for expanding vocabulary by understanding unfamiliar words.
Do dictionaries include pronunciations?
Yes, most dictionaries provide phonetic pronunciations for words.
Can one's vocabulary influence their writing style?
Absolutely, a rich vocabulary can enhance the expressiveness and depth of writing.
Are dictionaries only about word definitions?
No, dictionaries can also provide word origins, usage examples, and grammatical information.
How do children build their vocabulary?
Through reading, conversations, education, and experiences.
Is a thesaurus the same as a dictionary?
No, while a dictionary defines words, a thesaurus provides synonyms and antonyms.
Do dictionaries cover slang or colloquial terms?
Some modern dictionaries include slang, especially those that aim to capture current language
Why is vocabulary essential for language learners?
Vocabulary is fundamental for comprehension, expression, and effective communication in a new language.
Is slang included in vocabulary?
Yes, slang is part of a language's vocabulary, reflecting cultural and societal nuances.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
