rich vocabulary

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A large and varied set of words that a person knows and can use accurately and effectively.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a' or 'the'.

   Patterns

   • have a rich vocabulary
   • develop a rich vocabulary
   • a rich vocabulary in something

   She has a rich vocabulary and always finds the right word.

   Reading widely helps students develop a rich vocabulary.

   His rich vocabulary in science makes his explanations clear.

2. 2nouncountable

   The whole set of words used in a particular language, subject, or text, considered as a resource.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a' or 'the'.

   Patterns

   • the rich vocabulary of something
   • a rich vocabulary of terms

   The rich vocabulary of the novel reflects its historical setting.

   Legal documents often have a rich vocabulary of specialized terms.

Word forms

Common combinations

a rich vocabulary

A rich vocabulary opens many doors.

build a rich vocabulary

You can build a rich vocabulary by reading every day.

rich vocabulary in English

She has a rich vocabulary in English.

rich vocabulary of

The poem has a rich vocabulary of nature words.

Synonyms and how they differ

extensive vocabulary

Similar, but 'extensive' emphasizes size, while 'rich' also suggests variety and quality.

word power

Informal; focuses on the ability to use words well, not just the number known.

lexicon

Technical; can mean the full set of words in a language or a person's mental dictionary, not just a good command of words.

Opposites

Word family

vocabulary noun

The words known or used by a person or group.

richly adverb

In a rich or abundant way.

richness noun

The quality of being rich or abundant.

Commonly confused: rich vocabulary or vocabulary?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rich vocabulary”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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