Glossary vs. Lexicon: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Glossary is a list of terms and their definitions, often in a specific book or field; Lexicon is the vocabulary of a language or subject.
Key Differences
Glossary refers to a list of terms and their definitions, typically found at the end of a book or academic paper. It focuses on specific jargon or terminology used in that text, providing definitions or explanations. Lexicon, however, encompasses the entire vocabulary of a language or a specific field of study, including words, their meanings, and usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
In academic or technical publications, a glossary serves as a quick reference tool for readers to understand specialized or unfamiliar terms. It is a supplementary part of a larger work, aiming to clarify specific terminology. A lexicon, on the other hand, is more comprehensive and can stand alone as a complete reference work, like a dictionary, encompassing a broader range of vocabulary and usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Glossaries are often tailored to a particular subject or field, containing terms and definitions relevant to that topic. They are not exhaustive but are curated to enhance understanding of the specific content in a text. In contrast, lexicons cover a wider scope, including a full array of words and expressions of a language or discipline, often detailing pronunciation, etymology, and variations in meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
The use of a glossary is typically confined to providing clarity within the context of the text it accompanies. It aids readers in navigating complex or technical subjects by explaining key terms. A lexicon, however, is a tool for language study and research, offering extensive information about words, their origins, and usage in different contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
In summary, while both a glossary and a lexicon deal with words and their meanings, a glossary is a concise list specific to a text or subject, and a lexicon is a comprehensive collection of a language's or field's vocabulary.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
List of terms and definitions in a text.
Complete collection of a language's vocabulary.
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Scope
Limited to specific book or field.
Encompasses entire vocabulary of a language or subject.
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Dec 04, 2023
Purpose
To clarify terms within a text.
To provide detailed information about words and usage.
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Dec 04, 2023
Format
Often found at the end of a book.
Can be a standalone reference like a dictionary.
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Dec 04, 2023
Content
Curated terms relevant to the text.
Extensive range of words, including etymology and pronunciation.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Glossary and Lexicon Definitions
Glossary
A list of specialized terms and their meanings.
The medical book included a glossary of technical terms.
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Dec 04, 2023
Lexicon
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words.
He frequently consults the lexicon for word origins.
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Dec 04, 2023
Glossary
Collection of words and explanations in a specific field.
A legal document often has a glossary for legal jargon.
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Dec 04, 2023
Lexicon
Database of words used in a particular language.
Language learning apps are built using a comprehensive lexicon.
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Dec 04, 2023
Glossary
Reference section in academic texts for term definitions.
The research paper's glossary simplified technical vocabulary.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Lexicon
Vocabulary specific to a particular field or subject.
The lexicon of computer science is full of acronyms.
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Dec 04, 2023
Glossary
Supplemental section in a book for terms' definitions.
The glossary at the end of the textbook helps clarify complex concepts.
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Dec 04, 2023
Lexicon
The complete set of words in a language.
The English lexicon is constantly evolving with new words.
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Dec 04, 2023
Glossary
A tool for understanding specific terms in a context.
The cookbook's glossary explained culinary terms.
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Dec 04, 2023
Lexicon
Collection of words and their meanings in a language.
Linguists study the lexicon to understand language patterns.
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Dec 04, 2023
Glossary
A list of often difficult or specialized words with their definitions, often placed at the back of a book.
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Oct 19, 2023
Glossary
A list of terms in a particular domain of knowledge with their definitions.
At the back of the book you can find the glossary.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lexicon
A stock of terms used in a particular profession, subject, or style; a vocabulary
The lexicon of surrealist art.
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Oct 19, 2023
Glossary
A collection of glosses or explanations of words and passages of a work or author; a partial dictionary of a work, an author, a dialect, art, or science, explaining archaic, technical, or other uncommon words.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lexicon
The vocabulary of an individual person
“A few of the women tittered, whether in response to the fluctuating octaves of my voice or the awkwardness of my lexicon” (Elisabeth Brink).
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Oct 19, 2023
Glossary
An alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge; usually published as an appendix to a text on that field
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Oct 19, 2023
Lexicon
(programming) The lexicology of a programming language. (Usually called lexical structure.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Lexicon
The vocabulary used by or known to an individual. (Also called lexical knowledge.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Lexicon
A set of vocabulary specific to a certain subject.
The baseball lexicon
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Oct 19, 2023
Lexicon
A vocabulary, or book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language or of a considerable number of them, with the definition of each; a dictionary; especially, a dictionary of the Greek, Hebrew, or Latin language.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lexicon
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a Glossary?
A glossary is a list of specialized terms and their definitions in a book or field.
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Dec 04, 2023
What does Lexicon mean?
Lexicon refers to the entire vocabulary of a language or specific subject.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can a Lexicon stand alone as a book?
Yes, a lexicon can be a standalone reference work like a dictionary.
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Dec 04, 2023
Where is a Glossary typically found?
A glossary is usually found at the end of a book or academic paper.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Should all books have a Glossary?
Not necessarily, only those with specialized or technical terms.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can a Glossary be a separate book?
Generally, glossaries are sections in books, not separate works.
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Dec 04, 2023
Does a Lexicon include etymology?
Yes, lexicons often include word origins and detailed usage.
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Dec 04, 2023
Who uses a Lexicon?
Linguists, language learners, and researchers use lexicons.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a Glossary comprehensive?
No, a glossary covers terms specific to the text it accompanies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Is a Lexicon the same as a dictionary?
A lexicon is similar to a dictionary, but can be more specialized.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a Glossary useful for general readers?
Yes, especially in understanding specialized or unfamiliar terms.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can a Glossary contain images?
Sometimes, especially if it helps clarify the term.
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Dec 04, 2023
How often are Lexicons updated?
Regular updates are common, especially in fast-evolving fields.
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Dec 04, 2023
What's the main purpose of a Glossary?
To clarify and define specific terms used in a text.
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Dec 04, 2023
What type of information does a Lexicon provide?
A lexicon provides meanings, pronunciation, and word usage.
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Dec 04, 2023
Do Lexicons change over time?
Yes, lexicons evolve as language and word usage change.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are Glossaries only for academic texts?
No, they can be used in any text with specialized terminology.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can a Lexicon include slang words?
Yes, comprehensive lexicons may include slang and colloquial terms.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are online dictionaries considered Lexicons?
Yes, they are a form of lexicon, often with interactive features.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a Glossary necessary for technical manuals?
Yes, it's essential for understanding technical terms and acronyms.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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