Dictionary vs. Glossary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
A dictionary is a comprehensive reference book that provides definitions, pronunciations, and other information about words. A glossary is a list of specialized terms and their definitions, often found at the end of academic or technical books.
Difference Between Dictionary and Glossary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A dictionary is a reference book that offers comprehensive definitions, etymologies, pronunciations, and often examples of words. Glossaries, on the other hand, are more specialized and focus on defining terms that are specific to a particular field, book, or subject.
Dictionaries are generally standalone books or online platforms, offering a broad range of words from the language they represent. Glossaries are usually part of a larger text, like an academic paper, textbook, or technical manual, and they explain terms that are essential for understanding that specific text.
In a dictionary, entries are commonly organized in alphabetical order and may include various elements like synonyms, antonyms, and even translations. In a glossary, the terms are also usually listed alphabetically but are limited to explanations and are not as comprehensive as dictionary entries.
Dictionaries often include pronunciation guides, part-of-speech information, and example sentences. Glossaries usually forgo such extensive details and focus solely on definitions.
While dictionaries are often utilized by a broad audience to understand the meanings of a wide range of words, glossaries are typically used by a more specialized audience who are reading a particular document or are involved in a specific field.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Comprehensive
Specialized
Location
Standalone book or online
Usually part of another document
Entry Components
Definitions, pronunciation, etc.
Definitions only
Audience
General
Specialized
Order of Entries
Alphabetical
Usually alphabetical
Compare with Definitions
Dictionary
A dictionary is a reference book containing word definitions.
I looked up the word serendipity in the dictionary.
Glossary
A glossary defines specialized terms in a specific field or book.
The glossary in my biology textbook explained what mitosis is.
Dictionary
Dictionaries provide pronunciation guides for words.
The dictionary helped me pronounce quinoa correctly.
Glossary
Glossaries are often found at the end of academic papers or textbooks.
I referred to the glossary to understand the legal jargon in the contract.
Dictionary
A dictionary may include etymologies or word origins.
The dictionary revealed that the word umbrella comes from Latin.
Glossary
Glossaries usually list terms in alphabetical order.
I found it easy to navigate the glossary because it was in alphabetical order.
Dictionary
Online dictionaries may include audio pronunciations and translations.
The online dictionary allowed me to hear how croissant is pronounced in French.
Glossary
A glossary is limited to explanations of terms.
The glossary didn't include pronunciation guides for the terms.
Dictionary
Dictionaries can be general or specialized, focusing on specific fields.
The medical dictionary had detailed explanations of terms like angioplasty.
Glossary
Glossaries are designed for a specialized audience.
The software manual’s glossary was useful for programmers.
Dictionary
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.
Glossary
A glossary (from Ancient Greek: γλῶσσα / language, speech, wording) also known as a vocabulary or clavis, is an alphabetical list of terms in a particular domain of knowledge with the definitions for those terms. Traditionally, a glossary appears at the end of a book and includes terms within that book that are either newly introduced, uncommon, or specialized.
Dictionary
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
I'll look up 'love' in the dictionary
The dictionary definition of ‘smile’
The website gives access to an online dictionary
Glossary
An alphabetical list of words relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; a brief dictionary
A glossary of Inuktitut words
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words, with information given for each word, usually including meaning, pronunciation, and etymology.
Glossary
A list of often difficult or specialized words with their definitions, often placed at the back of a book.
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in one language with their translations in another language.
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.
Dictionary
A reference work containing an alphabetical list of words in a particular category or subject with specialized information about them
A medical dictionary.
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.
Dictionary
A list of words stored in machine-readable form for reference, as by spelling-checking software.
Glossary
An alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge; usually published as an appendix to a text on that field
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.
Dictionary
A synchronic dictionary of a standardised language held to only contain words that are properly part of the language.
Dictionary
(by extension) Any work that has a list of material organized alphabetically; e.g., biographical dictionary, encyclopedic dictionary.
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
Dictionary
(transitive) To look up in a dictionary.
Dictionary
(transitive) To add to a dictionary.
Dictionary
To compile a dictionary.
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.
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.
Dictionary
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between a Dictionary and a Glossary?
A dictionary is comprehensive, while a glossary is specialized.
Where can I typically find a Glossary?
Often at the end of academic papers, textbooks, or technical manuals.
Do Glossaries include pronunciation guides?
Generally no, they usually focus on definitions.
Is a Glossary ever a standalone document?
Rarely; it’s usually part of another text.
How specialized can Glossaries get?
Very. They can be field-specific like in law, medicine, or engineering.
Are Glossaries common in fiction books?
Less common but can be found in complex works or fantasy genres.
Do dictionaries offer translations?
Some do, especially bilingual or multilingual dictionaries.
Can a Dictionary serve as a Glossary?
It could, but a dictionary is generally broader in scope.
Do all dictionaries include etymologies?
Many do, but it varies by the type of dictionary.
How often are dictionaries updated?
It varies; online versions can be updated frequently.
Are online dictionaries reliable?
Many are, but it's good to use reputable sources.
Can Glossaries include abbreviations or acronyms?
Yes, if they are relevant to the document or field.
Do dictionaries contain obsolete words?
Some comprehensive dictionaries may include archaic terms.
How are terms ordered in a Glossary?
Usually alphabetically.
Do dictionaries contain specialized terms?
Some specialized dictionaries do, like medical or legal dictionaries.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
