communicology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “communicology” mean?
The academic study of communication, specifically focusing on its theory, structure, and analysis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The academic study of communication, specifically focusing on its theory, structure, and analysis.
The interdisciplinary field that examines the underlying principles, processes, and effects of human communication, often drawing from semiotics, linguistics, sociology, and psychology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and technical in both varieties. No significant differences in usage or meaning.
Connotations
Purely academic; carries connotations of theoretical, often phenomenological or semiotic, approaches to communication.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. Primarily encountered in specific university department names, journal titles, or advanced scholarly discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “communicology” in a Sentence
[field/study/discipline] of communicologyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communicology” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her communicological approach is deeply influenced by phenomenology.
American English
- The communicological framework he proposed was groundbreaking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Primary domain. Used in specific scholarly contexts to denote a theoretical or phenomenological approach to communication studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used as a precise label for an academic sub-discipline.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “communicology”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communicology”
- Using it to mean 'good communication skills'.
- Using it in casual contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Communications' often refers to practical technologies (e.g., radio) or skills. 'Communicology' is the theoretical study of communication as a human process.
Only if you are writing about this specific academic discipline and have defined it. For general purposes, 'communication theory' or 'communication studies' is preferable.
It is very rare. You are more likely to find departments or programmes named 'Communication Studies', 'Media Studies', or 'Communications'.
It focuses on the fundamental structures, processes, and meanings of communication, often from a humanistic or interpretive perspective, rather than just its effects or applications.
The academic study of communication, specifically focusing on its theory, structure, and analysis.
Communicology is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Communicology: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkɒl.ə.dʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkɑː.lə.dʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COMMUNIC-ation' + '-OLOGY' (study of). It's the *ology* (study) of *communication*.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A MAP (communicology provides a theoretical map of the territory of human interaction).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'communicology'?