Word
vocabulary
Phoneticsvo·cab·u·lary
US/voʊˈkæbjəˌɫɛɹi/
UK/vəʊkˈæbjʊləɹi/
Definitions
01words a person knows
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. all the words that you know and use in a particular language.
n. the total stock of words known or used by a specific individual.
“Reading every day is a great way to improve your English vocabulary.”
“The student's receptive vocabulary was significantly larger than her productive one, allowing her to understand complex texts even if she could not yet write them.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to a person's general knowledge.
Pitfall
I need to learn many vocabularies.
I need to learn a lot of vocabulary.
When referring to the general set of words you know, 'vocabulary' is usually uncountable. Use 'words' if you want to count them.
Synonyms
02specialised words
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic
n. the special words used in a particular subject or job.
n. the set of terms and phrases specific to a particular field, discipline, or activity.
Español:vocabulario
“You need to learn the medical vocabulary before you can work in a hospital.”
“The legal vocabulary used in the contract was so dense that the clients required a simplified summary to understand their obligations.”
Usage
Can be used as a countable noun when comparing different fields.
Synonyms
03a word list
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a list of words, often with their meanings, used for learning or reference.
n. a list or collection of words, typically arranged alphabetically and defined, intended for pedagogical or reference purposes.
“There is a short vocabulary at the back of each chapter in the textbook.”
“The teacher provided a comprehensive vocabulary of technical terms to ensure the students could follow the advanced physics lecture.”
Usage
Commonly used as a countable noun in this sense.
Synonyms
04artistic style
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. the range of styles, shapes, or techniques used by an artist or designer.
n. a range of artistic or stylistic forms, symbols, or techniques characteristic of a particular movement or creator.
“The architect used a modern vocabulary of glass and steel for the new library.”
“The choreographer developed a unique movement vocabulary that blended classical ballet with contemporary street dance.”
Usage
Used metaphorically to describe non-verbal expression.
Synonyms
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin vocābulārium. Doublet of vocabularium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/vocabulary
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0