lexicon

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lexicon" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the vocabulary associated with a particular language, field of study, etc. You can use it in any context where you want to refer to a body of words or terms used in a particular field. For example: "The lexicon of medical terms can be difficult for a layperson to comprehend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is Alice in Wonderland territory, Orwellian almost, for any government of any political persuasion to seek to come along and try to rewrite the lexicon.

The New York Times

And a new word has entered the political lexicon, which may soon become inescapable.

The Guardian

That is, so long as the authorities haven't consolidated, rationalised and – well, take your pick from the beancounters' lexicon – I'll use destroyed one of the English summer's greatest joys.

The Guardian - Sport

WS Graham wrote in a 1977 poem of "Floating across the frozen tundra / of the lexicon and the dictionary", but I find lexicons to be more tropical jungle than tundra, gloriously ornate in their tendrilled outgrowths and complex root systems.

The Guardian - Books

Or as Cocker punchily puts it, "If acorn goes from the lexicon, the game is up for nature in England".

The Guardian - Books

It is Alice in Wonderland territory, Orwellian almost, for any government of any political persuasion to seek to come along and try to rewrite the political lexicon".

The Guardian

They need their own words to define their needs and activities: a lexicon of objectives, outcomes and deliverables where a sense of purpose becomes a "direction of travel", where a difficulty always becomes a "challenge", a dilemma mutates into an "issue" and where serving your audience becomes "maximising stakeholder value".

The Guardian

Jon Bird writes: If angry resistance to a world defined and regulated by men characterised Nancy Spero's early art works, then an exuberant and joyful playfulness came to dominate her scrolls and printed installations over the last three decades as her lexicon of cavorting female figures soared across paper and wall.

The Guardian - Arts

Russian prisoners' lexicon is colourful and full of historical references.

The Guardian

Martin Skegg William Morris spoke of catering "to the swinish luxury of the rich", something that the five-star hotel has been doing since the words Savoy and Ritz entered the lexicon as bywords for opulence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So if he wasn't entirely sure as to when he should switch on his torch, the lexicon is close at hand".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specialized fields, use "lexicon" to refer to the specific vocabulary that is unique to that domain. For example, "the lexicon of medicine".

Common error

Don't use "lexicon" when you mean "grammar". The "lexicon" refers to vocabulary, while grammar relates to the rules governing sentence structure.

Linguistic Context

The word "lexicon" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to the vocabulary of a language, an individual, or a specific field of study. As Ludwig AI states, it denotes the vocabulary of language or field of study.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lexicon" is a versatile noun that refers to the vocabulary of a language, individual, or specific field. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "vocabulary" and "terminology" exist, "lexicon" often implies a more comprehensive or specialized collection of words. Remember to use "lexicon" when referring to vocabulary and avoid confusing it with grammar. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use in various fields, emphasizing its importance in specialized communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vocabulary

Focuses on the words known and used by a person or group.

wordbook

Emphasizes the book format and is suitable when referring to a dictionary or glossary.

word stock

Refers to the total number of words available for use.

terminology

Highlights the set of terms specific to a field or subject.

glossary

Implies a collection of terms with definitions, often at the end of a book.

phraseology

Highlights the style and manner of expression in speech or writing.

word list

A simple enumeration of words, without necessarily implying definitions or usage.

register

Denotes a specific way of using language based on context or social setting.

language

Focuses on the broader system of communication.

dictionary

A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about their meaning, pronunciation, and usage.

FAQs

How to use "lexicon" in a sentence?

You can use "lexicon" to refer to the vocabulary of a specific language, field, or individual. For instance, "The programmer needs to expand their technical lexicon."

What can I say instead of "lexicon"?

You can use alternatives like "vocabulary", "terminology", or "wordbook" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lexicon" or "vocabulary"?

"Lexicon" and "vocabulary" are often interchangeable, but "lexicon" can sometimes refer to a more specialized or comprehensive collection of words.

What's the difference between "lexicon" and "dictionary"?

A "lexicon" is a specific set of words used by a group or person, while a "dictionary" is a broader compilation of words with definitions.