Lexicon vs. Vocabulary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Lexicon encompasses all words in a language, while Vocabulary refers to words known or used by an individual.
Difference Between Lexicon and Vocabulary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The lexicon of a language encompasses all the words and phrases that constitute that language. Vocabulary refers to the set of words that an individual knows and uses. While the lexicon is broad and comprehensive, vocabulary is personal and varies widely among individuals.
The lexicon includes technical, obscure, and outdated terms, representing the entirety of a language. Vocabulary is more selective, comprising words an individual is familiar with and commonly uses. This distinction highlights the scope of the lexicon as opposed to the specificity of vocabulary.
When linguists discuss a language's lexicon, they refer to a collective and complete set of words. In contrast, when discussing someone's vocabulary, they focus on the person's language proficiency and the range of words they understand and use.
In language learning, expanding one's vocabulary means increasing the number of words one knows from the language's lexicon. This process involves selecting relevant words from the lexicon to use in communication.
Understanding the difference is crucial in fields like lexicography, where compiling a dictionary (a representation of a language's lexicon) differs from teaching vocabulary to language learners, which is more about personal language acquisition.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Complete set of words in a language
Words known/used by an individual
Scope
Broad, encompasses entire language
Personal, varies among individuals
Includes
All words, including technical/obscure ones
Words familiar and used by a person
Relevance
Collective, represents a language
Individual, linked to personal language skill
Usage
In linguistics, lexicography
In language learning, communication
Compare with Definitions
Lexicon
Complete set of words in a language.
The English lexicon has absorbed words from many other languages.
Vocabulary
Range of words used in speech or writing.
Children's vocabulary expands rapidly during their early years.
Lexicon
All words and phrases used in a language.
Technological advancements continuously add new words to the modern lexicon.
Vocabulary
Collection of words a person understands.
Learning a new language involves gradually building your vocabulary.
Lexicon
Repository of a language's words.
Dictionaries attempt to capture the lexicon of a language comprehensively.
Vocabulary
Words familiar to and used by an individual.
His technical vocabulary was impressive, given his engineering background.
Lexicon
A dictionary.
Vocabulary
Set of words known or used by a person.
Her vocabulary in Spanish improved significantly after living in Spain.
Lexicon
The full inventory of words in a language.
The lexicon of medical terms is vast and specialized.
Vocabulary
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.
Lexicon
A lexicon is the vocabulary of a language or branch of knowledge (such as nautical or medical). In linguistics, a lexicon is a language's inventory of lexemes.
Vocabulary
All the words of a language.
Lexicon
A stock of terms used in a particular profession, subject, or style; a vocabulary
The lexicon of surrealist art.
Vocabulary
The sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group.
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).
Vocabulary
A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.
Lexicon
(Linguistics) The morphemes of a language considered as a group.
Vocabulary
A supply of expressive means; a repertoire of communication
A dancer's vocabulary of movement.
Lexicon
The vocabulary of a language.
Vocabulary
A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning.
Lexicon
A dictionary that includes or focuses on lexemes.
Vocabulary
The collection of words a person knows and uses.
My Russian vocabulary is very limited.
Lexicon
A dictionary of Classical Greek, Hebrew, Latin, or Aramaic.
Vocabulary
The stock of words used in a particular field.
The vocabulary of social sciences is often incomprehensible to ordinary people.
Lexicon
(programming) The lexicology of a programming language. (Usually called lexical structure.)
Vocabulary
The words of a language collectively; lexis.
The vocabulary of any language is influenced by contacts with other cultures.
Lexicon
(rare) Any dictionary.
Vocabulary
(by extension) A range of artistic or stylistic forms or techniques.
Lexicon
The vocabulary used by or known to an individual. (Also called lexical knowledge.)
Vocabulary
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.
Lexicon
A set of vocabulary specific to a certain subject.
The baseball lexicon
Vocabulary
A listing of the words used in some enterprise
Lexicon
A list thereof.
A baseball lexicon
Vocabulary
A language user's knowledge of words
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.
Vocabulary
The system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts);
He introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques
Lexicon
A language user's knowledge of words
Vocabulary
Words at one's command in a language.
Writers often have a rich vocabulary to express their ideas.
Lexicon
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
Lexicon
The total vocabulary of a language.
Scholars often study ancient texts to understand the lexicon of that era.
Common Curiosities
Is the lexicon static?
No, the lexicon evolves as new words are added and others become obsolete.
Does the lexicon include slang?
Yes, the lexicon includes slang, jargon, and all other types of words.
Can vocabulary vary among individuals?
Yes, vocabulary varies widely based on personal knowledge and experience.
Who uses the term 'lexicon' frequently?
Linguists and lexicographers often use the term when discussing language.
Are idioms part of the lexicon?
Yes, idioms are included in the lexicon of a language.
Are foreign words in the English lexicon?
Yes, the English lexicon includes many words borrowed from other languages.
What is a lexicon?
The complete set of words in a language.
Can vocabulary indicate language proficiency?
Yes, the size and range of vocabulary often indicate language skill.
What is vocabulary?
The set of words known or used by a person.
Is vocabulary only about spoken words?
Vocabulary includes both spoken and written words that a person knows.
Does vocabulary impact communication effectiveness?
Yes, a richer vocabulary can enhance clarity and expressiveness in communication.
Are new words regularly added to the lexicon?
Yes, new words and phrases are continuously added to the lexicon.
Does everyone have the same vocabulary?
No, individual vocabularies differ based on exposure, education, and interest.
Can vocabulary growth be measured?
Yes, vocabulary growth can be measured through language tests and assessments.
Is the lexicon important for dictionary creation?
Yes, dictionaries aim to represent the lexicon of a language.
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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.
