Vocabulary vs. Dictionary: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Set of words one knows or uses
Book or online resource giving word details
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Purpose
Communication and comprehension
Explanation and understanding of words
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Specializations
Can be specific to fields (e.g., medical vocabulary)
Can have specialized editions (e.g., medical dictionary)
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Dictionary
A reference book containing words, usually with definitions.
I looked up the word in the dictionary.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Vocabulary
The body of words used in a particular language.
English vocabulary borrows from many other languages.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Dictionary
A book that lists and explains terms of a particular field.
Her botanical dictionary detailed various plant species.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Vocabulary
A list or collection of words or of words and phrases.
The teacher provided a vocabulary list for the test.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
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Dictionary
A resource that lists words of one language with translations to another.
He used an English-Spanish dictionary.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Vocabulary
Words pertaining to a particular field or subject.
Legal vocabulary can be hard to understand.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Dictionary
An electronic resource where words are defined and explained.
Online dictionaries are convenient and accessible.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and etymology.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
The sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in one language with their translations in another language.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in a particular category or subject with specialized information about them
A medical dictionary.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
A supply of expressive means; a repertoire of communication
A dancer's vocabulary of movement.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Dictionary
A list of words stored in machine-readable form for reference, as by spelling-checking software.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
The collection of words a person knows and uses.
My Russian vocabulary is very limited.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Dictionary
A synchronic dictionary of a standardised language held to only contain words that are properly part of the language.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
The stock of words used in a particular field.
The vocabulary of social sciences is often incomprehensible to ordinary people.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Dictionary
(by extension) Any work that has a list of material organized alphabetically; e.g., biographical dictionary, encyclopedic dictionary.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
The words of a language collectively; lexis.
The vocabulary of any language is influenced by contacts with other cultures.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
(by extension) A range of artistic or stylistic forms or techniques.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Vocabulary
A range or system of expressions.
Artistic vocabulary refers to the range of techniques an artist uses.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Dictionary
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 05, 2023
Dictionary
A reference containing information on a particular subject.
A medical dictionary explains medical terms.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
Is vocabulary static or dynamic?
Vocabulary is dynamic, continually evolving based on learning and experiences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can vocabulary size determine intelligence?
While a broad vocabulary can indicate extensive reading or knowledge, it's not a sole measure of intelligence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
How often are dictionaries updated?
Online dictionaries can be updated regularly, while print editions may have longer intervals between updates.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Are there dictionaries for specific fields?
Yes, there are specialized dictionaries for fields like medicine, law, and science.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Can vocabulary be improved using a dictionary?
Yes, a dictionary is a valuable tool for expanding vocabulary by understanding unfamiliar words.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Do dictionaries include pronunciations?
Yes, most dictionaries provide phonetic pronunciations for words.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can one's vocabulary influence their writing style?
Absolutely, a rich vocabulary can enhance the expressiveness and depth of writing.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Are dictionaries only about word definitions?
No, dictionaries can also provide word origins, usage examples, and grammatical information.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
How do children build their vocabulary?
Through reading, conversations, education, and experiences.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Is a thesaurus the same as a dictionary?
No, while a dictionary defines words, a thesaurus provides synonyms and antonyms.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Do dictionaries cover slang or colloquial terms?
Some modern dictionaries include slang, especially those that aim to capture current language
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Why is vocabulary essential for language learners?
Vocabulary is fundamental for comprehension, expression, and effective communication in a new language.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Is slang included in vocabulary?
Yes, slang is part of a language's vocabulary, reflecting cultural and societal nuances.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
