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View synonyms for

vocabulary

[ voh-kab-yuh-ler-ee ]

noun

plural vocabularies.
  1. the stock of words used by or known to a particular people or group of persons:

    His French vocabulary is rather limited. The scientific vocabulary is constantly growing.

  2. a list or collection of the words or phrases of a language, technical field, etc., usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined:

    Study the vocabulary in the fourth chapter.

  3. the words of a language.
  4. any collection of signs or symbols constituting a means or system of nonverbal communication:

    vocabulary of a computer.

  5. any more or less specific group of forms characteristic of an artist, a style of art, architecture, or the like.


vocabulary

/ əˈæʊəɪ /

noun

  1. a listing, either selective or exhaustive, containing the words and phrases of a language, with meanings or translations into another language; glossary
  2. the aggregate of words in the use or comprehension of a specified person, class, profession, etc
  3. all the words contained in a language
  4. a range or system of symbols, qualities, or techniques constituting a means of communication or expression, as any of the arts or crafts

    a wide vocabulary of textures and colours

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ·u·i adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of vocabulary1

1525–35; < Medieval Latin dzܱܳ, noun use of neuter of dzܱܲ of words, equivalent to Latin dzܱ ( um ) vocable + -ary
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Word History and Origins

Origin of vocabulary1

C16: from Medieval Latin dzܱܳ, from dzܱܲ concerning words, from Latin dzܱum vocable
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Researchers also found no difference in school achievements between the three groups, but when given cognitive tests in reading, vocabulary and problem-solving, the group that slept the longest performed the best.

From

Reviewer David Kipen celebrated Wallace’s “stupendously high-toned vocabulary and gleeful low-comedy diction, coupled with a sense of syntax so elongated that he can seem to go for days without surfacing.”

From

Not really, but it did a nice job capturing the visual vocabulary and tone of the show.

From

Glaser said she predicts she and other historians will have to watch their vocabulary going forward as the Trump administration continues to apply financial pressure on them to conform to his policies.

From

It is, in the modern football vocabulary, 'a process'.

From

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vocablevocabulary entry