dictionaryachtige

Dictionaryachtige is a Dutch term used to describe text, structures, or designs that resemble a dictionary. It denotes a mode characterized by concise, entry-based presentation of terms, often organized alphabetically, with brief definitions, cross-references, etymologies, usage notes, and may include pronunciation or examples. The term is formed by combining dictionary with the Dutch suffix -achtig, meaning "-like," and is typically used in discussions of lexicography, information design, or writing styles to signal a reference-oriented, highly structured format.

Applications and contexts include glossaries in textbooks, lexicons for constructed languages, digital knowledge bases, API documentation, and scholarly articles that present a controlled vocabulary. In web design and user experience, a dictionaryachtige interface prioritizes quick lookups, clarity, and hyperlinked entries rather than narrative exposition.

Advantages and limitations of this approach are noted in discussions of style and information design. The dictionaryachtige format offers precision, consistency, and easy retrievability of terms, but can feel dry, rigid, or insufficient for conveying nuance, context, or evolution over time. It may also imply a definitive, static view of knowledge, which can be problematic for dynamic or contested topics.

Examples include glossary sections in textbooks, a lexicon in a scholarly paper, a style guide with defined terms, a digital glossary in a research database, or a fan-language lexicon in fiction. See also lexicography, glossary, and dictionary.