compendium

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'compendium' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a collection of items, usually related to a particular subject matter, that has been compiled or collected together. Example sentence: The author has compiled a comprehensive compendium of ancient Egyptian art.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what a strange compendium they are, now that I'm away from them.

The Guardian

Jonathan Clements, author of Schoolgirl Milky Crisis: Adventures in the Anime and Manga Trade, a compendium of insider writing about the industry, agrees that forays into broadcasting anime in the UK have been spotty.

The Guardian

This is where he began composing the book that would become known as Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil) – a compendium of poems on satanism, lesbianism, sex, death and revolt which would eventually be prosecuted on grounds of blasphemy on publication in 1857 (six of the poems remained banned until 1949).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ask Torontonians to name their favourite purchase from the Honest Ed's department store, and you rapidly compile a compendium of kitsch to fascinate any anthropologist from the future.

The Guardian

It's a compendium, in the mould of earlier works like Fox and James's The Complete Chess Addict or Hooper and Whyld's Oxford Companion to Chess; it's the sixth and last nomination for our book of the year award.

The Guardian - Sport

Rachel Jones is a teacher and author of Don't change the light bulbs: A compendium of expertise from the UKs most switched-on educators.

The Guardian

He shows how London is not one city, but a compendium of many little cities: "It have people living in London who don't know what happening in the room next to them, far more the street, or how other people living.

The Guardian - Books

The World Bank the main source of economic data on developing countries—has thoroughly overhauled the presentation of its main statistical publications, to great effect".World Development Indicators", a compendium of developing countries' economies, has been radically redesigned.

The Economist

What emerges in his book on "The Dangerous Allure of the Unseen" is a fascinating compendium of the ways in which both the idea and the reality of invisibility have resonated in human minds over the centuries.

The Economist

That is the puzzle on display in "Education at a Glance", the annual research compendium published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a Paris-based think-tank for the industrialised world.

The Economist

The Northern League, to take the extreme case, seeks to separate the dynamic, capitalist Italian north from what it regards as the sluggish, dependent south.As a compendium of useful information on the new wave of populist politics, "The New Politics of the Right" is invaluable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compendium" when referring to a comprehensive collection of information on a specific subject, often implying completeness and organization.

Common error

Avoid using "compendium" when a simpler word like "collection" or "list" suffices. "Compendium" implies a level of comprehensiveness and detail that may not be present in a basic collection.

Linguistic Context

The word "compendium" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a concise yet comprehensive compilation of information on a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news to scientific publications. This aligns with the examples showing its use in describing books, reports, and collections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compendium" is a noun signifying a comprehensive and organized collection of information on a specific topic. As Ludwig AI points out, the word is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. With a high frequency of occurrence, particularly in News & Media and Science, it indicates its relevance in formal, academic, and professional contexts. When choosing to use "compendium", ensure that the described collection is indeed comprehensive and well-organized, avoiding its misuse for simpler collections or lists. Remember that while alternatives like "anthology" or "compilation" exist, the specific context dictates the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compilation

Emphasizes the act of gathering items together, often from different sources.

collection

A broad term for a group of items, not necessarily summarized or related to a specific subject.

digest

Implies a condensed and organized summary of information.

anthology

Focuses on a collection of literary works or pieces around a specific theme.

sourcebook

Suggests a comprehensive reference for a particular subject.

treasury

Implies a valuable or cherished collection.

conspectus

A more formal term for a general overview or summary.

inventory

Specifically denotes a detailed list of items or assets.

summary

Highlights the abridged version of a longer text or presentation.

repertory

Refers to a stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or performer knows and is prepared to perform.

FAQs

How do you use "compendium" in a sentence?

A "compendium" is often used to describe a detailed collection of information. For example: "The encyclopedia serves as a comprehensive "compendium" of human knowledge."

What's the difference between "compendium" and "compilation"?

"Compendium" suggests a complete and organized collection of information on a specific topic. "Compilation" (/s/compilation) simply means gathering items together, not necessarily organized or comprehensive.

What can I say instead of "compendium"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "anthology", "collection", or "summary". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "compendium" a formal word?

Yes, "compendium" is generally considered a formal word. It is appropriate for academic, professional, and formal writing contexts. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "collection" may be preferred.