Dictionary vs. Vocabulary — What's the Difference?

A resource for word definitions.

The set of words known by a person.

A book listing words and meanings.

The lexicon specific to a language or field.

An educational tool for language learning.

The range of words available for expression.

A dictionary is a listing of lexemes from the lexicon of one or more specific languages, often arranged alphabetically (or by radical and stroke for ideographic languages), which may include information on definitions, usage, etymologies, pronunciations, translation, etc.. It is a lexicographical reference that shows inter-relationships among the data.A broad distinction is made between general and specialized dictionaries.

A collection of words for comprehension.

A book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language (typically in alphabetical order) and gives their meaning, or gives the equivalent words in a different language, often also providing information about pronunciation, origin, and usage

A vocabulary is a set of familiar words within a person's language. A vocabulary, usually developed with age, serves as a useful and fundamental tool for communication and acquiring knowledge.

A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and etymology.

All the words of a language.

A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in one language with their translations in another language.

The sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group.

A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in a particular category or subject with specialized information about them

A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.

A list of words stored in machine-readable form for reference, as by spelling-checking software.

A supply of expressive means; a repertoire of communication

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.

A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning.

A synchronic dictionary of a standardised language held to only contain words that are properly part of the language.

The collection of words a person knows and uses.

(by extension) Any work that has a list of material organized alphabetically; e.g., biographical dictionary, encyclopedic dictionary.

The stock of words used in a particular field.

(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).

The words of a language collectively; lexis.

(transitive) To look up in a dictionary.

(by extension) A range of artistic or stylistic forms or techniques.

(transitive) To add to a dictionary.

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.

To compile a dictionary.

A listing of the words used in some enterprise

A book containing the words of a language, arranged alphabetically, with explanations of their meanings; a lexicon; a vocabulary; a wordbook.

A language user's knowledge of words

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.

The system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts);

A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them

Words used in speech or writing.

A compilation of vocabulary with explanations.

A reference for word usage and origin.

Most standard dictionaries contain a wide range, but not all.

Yes, regularly using a dictionary can enhance vocabulary.

No, it grows with learning and exposure to language.

No, they're also available as online resources and apps.

Yes, many dictionaries include synonyms and antonyms.

Yes, it includes formal and informal language elements.

Yes, but age-appropriate dictionaries are often more suitable.

No, it includes both spoken and written words.

A broad vocabulary often reflects higher language proficiency.

Yes, it varies based on personal experience and education.

Yes, there are dictionaries for specific fields and languages.

No, a thesaurus lists synonyms and antonyms, while a dictionary provides definitions.

Yes, especially online versions, to include new words.

No, a rich vocabulary enhances expression and understanding.

Yes, people often develop vocabulary specific to their interests or profession.