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Terminology vs. Jargon — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 25, 2024
Terminology refers to the set of specialized words and phrases used in a particular profession, discipline, or field, while jargon is the specialized language used by a specific group, often hard for outsiders to understand.
Terminology vs. Jargon — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Terminology and Jargon

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Key Differences

Terminology encompasses the collection of terms and phrases that are specific to a particular subject or field of study, such as medical terminology or computer terminology. It serves as the foundation for communication within that field, enabling precise and clear discussions about complex concepts. Jargon, however, goes a step further by including not only specialized terms but also slang and idioms unique to a group, often creating a barrier to understanding for those outside the group. While terminology aims for clarity and specificity, jargon can be exclusive or even obscure.
Both terminology and jargon are developed as a field or profession evolves, incorporating new discoveries, technologies, and ideas. Terminology tends to be more standardized and universally accepted within a field, undergoing rigorous definition and review by professionals. Jargon, on the other hand, might evolve more organically within subgroups or communities, leading to variations and informal usage that might not be formally recognized or documented.
The use of terminology is critical in academic, scientific, and professional settings, where precise language is necessary to avoid ambiguity and ensure mutual understanding. Jargon, while it can foster a sense of community or identity among insiders, may need to be translated or simplified when communicating with those outside the field to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
Education and training in a specific field involve learning its terminology to understand and engage with the subject matter effectively. Conversely, picking up jargon often happens through immersion in the culture and daily interactions within a community or group, reflecting a more informal learning process.
In practical application, terminology finds its place in formal documents, research papers, and educational materials, highlighting its role in facilitating formal communication and learning. Jargon, however, is more prevalent in informal conversations, meetings, and within specific cultural or social contexts, reflecting its role in informal group identity and communication.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Set of specialized terms in a field or profession
Specialized language understood by a specific group

Purpose

Facilitate clear and precise communication
Foster group identity, sometimes exclude outsiders

Usage

Academic, professional, and technical contexts
Informal settings, within specific groups

Accessibility

Aimed to be universally understood within a field
Often difficult for outsiders to understand

Standardization

Generally standardized and reviewed
Can be informal and vary within groups

Compare with Definitions

Terminology

Evolves with the field's advancements.
New technology introduces new terminology in computing.

Jargon

Picked up through immersion and social interaction.
New employees learn jargon on the job.

Terminology

A collection of terms used in a specific profession.
Medical terminology includes terms like hypertension.

Jargon

Reflects the culture and identity of the group.
Gamers have their jargon, such as NPC (non-player character).

Terminology

Used in formal and academic contexts.
Scientific papers are written using specific scientific terminology.

Jargon

Specialized language used by a particular group.
IT jargon includes acronyms like HTTP and FTP.

Terminology

Learned through formal education and training.
Students study the terminology of their field rigorously.

Jargon

Can create a barrier for those outside the group.
Medical jargon can be confusing to non-medical personnel.

Terminology

Facilitates clear communication within a field.
Legal terminology is crucial for understanding law documents.

Jargon

Used in informal group communications.
Professionals might use jargon in internal meetings.

Terminology

The vocabulary of technical terms used in a particular field, subject, science, or art; nomenclature.

Jargon

Jargon is the specialized terminology associated with a particular field or area of activity. Jargon is normally employed in a particular communicative context and may not be well understood outside that context.

Terminology

Terminology is a general word for the group of specialized words or meanings relating to a particular field, and also the study of such terms and their use. This is also known as terminology science.

Jargon

The specialized language of a trade, profession, or similar group, especially when viewed as difficult to understand by outsiders
A crime novel that uses a lot of police jargon.

Terminology

The study of nomenclature.

Jargon

Nonsensical or incoherent language
"Your description will be considered as mere jargon by every man of sense" (Alexander Hamilton).

Terminology

A treatise on terms, especially those used in a specialised field.

Jargon

A hybrid language or dialect; a pidgin. Not in technical use.

Terminology

The set of terms actually used in any business, art, science, or the like; nomenclature; technical terms.

Jargon

To speak in or use jargon.

Terminology

The scientific study of such terms.

Jargon

(uncountable) A technical terminology unique to a particular subject.

Terminology

The doctrine of terms; a theory of terms or appellations; a treatise on terms.

Jargon

(countable) A language characteristic of a particular group.

Terminology

The terms actually used in any business, art, science, or the like; nomenclature; technical terms; as, the terminology of chemistry.
The barbarous effect produced by a German structure of sentence, and a terminology altogether new.

Jargon

(uncountable) Speech or language that is incomprehensible or unintelligible; gibberish.

Terminology

A system of words used in a particular discipline;
Legal terminology
The language of sociology

Jargon

To utter jargon; to emit confused or unintelligible sounds.

Jargon

Confused, unintelligible language; gibberish.

Jargon

An artificial idiom or dialect; cant language; slang.
The jargon which serves the traffickers.

Jargon

A variety of zircon. See Zircon.

Jargon

To utter jargon; to emit confused or unintelligible sounds; to talk unintelligibly, or in a harsh and noisy manner.
The noisy jay,Jargoning like a foreigner at his food.

Jargon

A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);
They don't speak our lingo

Jargon

A colorless (or pale yellow or smoky) variety of zircon

Jargon

Specialized technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject

Common Curiosities

Can jargon be considered a form of terminology?

While jargon includes specialized terms, it's broader and often less formal than terminology, including slang and idiomatic expressions.

Is it bad to use jargon?

Jargon can foster a sense of community among insiders but should be avoided in communications with those outside the group to prevent misunderstandings.

Can terminology change over time?

Yes, as a field evolves, new terms are introduced and some may become obsolete, reflecting the dynamic nature of knowledge.

Why is terminology important?

It ensures clear, precise, and effective communication within a specific field, reducing ambiguity.

How can someone learn to understand jargon?

Understanding jargon usually comes from immersion in the culture or group, learning through context and interaction.

Do all professions have their own terminology?

Most professions develop their own set of terms to describe their work accurately and effectively.

Why might someone outside a field struggle with its terminology?

Specialized terms may refer to concepts or practices unfamiliar to those not versed in the field, requiring some background knowledge to fully understand.

Is it necessary to know a field's jargon to work in it?

While not strictly necessary, knowing the jargon can help with integration into the social aspect of the field and improve understanding of informal communications.

How do terminology and jargon affect communication?

Proper use of terminology can enhance communication by being precise and clear, while misuse of jargon can obscure meaning and exclude outsiders.

What role does context play in understanding terminology and jargon?

Context helps in deciphering the meaning of specific terms and jargon, especially for those new to the field or group.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza 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.

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