Vocabulary refers to the set of words known and used by a person or group, or the collection of words in a language. It also denotes the range of words available for expression within a given subject or field. In linguistics and education, vocabulary size often correlates with language proficiency and comprehension, influencing both speaking and listening abilities.
US & AU accents are Premium
Unlock all accent variations
"Her vocabulary expanded rapidly after she started reading daily."
"The course aimed to build students’ scientific vocabulary for better understanding texts."
"He learned new medical vocabulary to communicate with patients more effectively."
"A strong vocabulary helps you express nuanced ideas and avoid repetition in writing."
vocabulary comes from the Late Latin vocabularium ‘a list of words to be learned,’ from Latin vocabulum ‘name, noun, term,’ which in turn derives from vocare ‘to call, name.’ The term appears in English around the 14th century, originally meaning ‘a list of words and their meanings’ or ‘the collection of terms used in a particular field.’ By the 17th–18th centuries it broadened to refer to the aggregate knowledge of words a person possesses, and in modern usage it also denotes the conceptual set of words in a language. The evolution tracks a shift from concrete lexical lists toward an abstract measure of linguistic competence, with contemporary usage tying vocabulary size to fluency, literacy, and specialized domains. First known uses include academic glossaries and dictionaries that catalog terms for learners and scholars, underscoring vocabulary as a core component of language mastery.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "vocabulary" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "vocabulary" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "vocabulary" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "vocabulary"
-ory sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
US: /vəˈkæb.jəˌlɛr.i/; UK: /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ri/; AU: /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ri/. The word has three syllables stressed on the second syllable and then a final weak ending. Emphasize the /ˈkæb/ chunk, reduce the final -ary to a light /ri/ or /əri/. Mouth positions: start with a relaxed schwa /ə/ in the first syllable, then a strong /ˈkæb/ with a tight jaw, followed by a soft /jə/ or /jə/ glide into /lɛr.i/ (US) or /lə.ri/ (UK/AU). Audio references: check Cambridge or Oxford phonetics audio for slow pronunciation.
Two frequent errors: (1) misplacing the stress, saying /ˌvoʊ.kæb.jəˈlɛr.i/ or delivering stress on the first syllable; (2) bass-ackward vowel in the second syllable, pronouncing /ˈvɔ.kæb.ju.lə.ri/ or over-enunciating the -ary as /-ary/ with a strong /ər.i/. Correction: keep primary stress on the second syllable: /vəˈkæb.jəˌlɛr.i/ and reduce the -ary to a light /ri/ or /ri/. Ensure the /j/ glide is smooth between /jə/ and /l/.
US typically /vəˈkæb.jəˌlɛr.i/ with a rhotic /r/ in the final syllable; UK often /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ri/ with a shorter /ɪ/ or /i/ in the final syllable and non-rhotic post-voicing (less rhotic influence); Australian merges some vowels with a relaxed /ə/ in unstressed syllables and tends to a softer /ɹ/ or even non-rhotic in rapid speech. IPA notes: US /ˈkæb.jə/ sequences are more clearly separated, UK/AU may loosen the /l/ and reduce final vowels slightly.
Two main challenges: (1) the multi-syllabic rhythm with a stressed secondary syllable (/ˈkæb/), and (2) the final -ary sequence /-əri/ that often reduces to /ri/ or /ri/ with a subtle schwa. The consonant cluster in the middle /b.j/ requires a smooth transition with a light /j/ glide; many learners insert extra vowels or split the syllables unnaturally. Practice the three-syllable chain slowly, then speed up while keeping the /ˈkæb/ strong and the ending reduced.
Unique query: 'Is the end of vocabulary pronounced as -ary or -ary-ee?' Answer: The ending is typically reduced to /-əri/ (US /-əri/; UK/AU /-əri/ settings), with the final vowel muted in fast speech. The last syllable carries a weak schwa or /i/ vowel and a light /r/ in rhotic dialects. Use IPA /vəˈkæb.jəˌlɛr.i/ (US) and /vəˈkæb.jə.lə.ri/ (UK/AU) and aim for a smooth, almost non-syllabic final Vowel.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "vocabulary"!
No related words found
See how this word is used in our articles
