Vocabulary

Vocabulary is the set of words known and used by a person or a language community. It includes receptive (recognised) and productive (used) knowledge. A person’s vocabulary grows through reading, listening, speaking, and instruction, and it varies by topic, domain, and style.

Words are lexical items with form, meaning, and grammatical properties. A vocabulary contains single words, phrases, and fixed expressions such as collocations and idioms, as well as derivations formed by prefixes and suffixes. In adults, receptive vocabulary is typically larger than productive vocabulary.

Having a large and accurate vocabulary supports reading comprehension, precise expression, and clear communication. It underpins academic success and professional performance. Knowledge of connotation, usage, and context helps speakers choose appropriate words for different audiences and styles.

Vocabulary develops through exposure and deliberate study: reading, listening, learning word families, and using morphological clues. Practical strategies include dictionaries, flashcards, spaced repetition, note-taking, and keeping a personal word list. In second language learning, cognates and language transfer influence vocabulary growth.

Assessment ranges from vocabulary size tests to tasks measuring meaning, activation, and productive use. Reading and listening tasks reveal how well a person has integrated words into usable knowledge. Ongoing practice and varied language exposure are essential for maintaining and expanding vocabulary.