compendium: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “compendium” mean?
A concise yet comprehensive collection of information or knowledge on a particular subject, typically in a single book.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A concise yet comprehensive collection of information or knowledge on a particular subject, typically in a single book.
A collection or compilation of various items, rules, or pieces of information, often presented in an abridged or summarized form for quick reference. It can also refer to a collection of games or other items in a single package.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used with the same meaning in both varieties. However, the plural form 'compendiums' is slightly more common than 'compendia' in general use, though 'compendia' is the traditional Latinate plural and is preferred in academic contexts, especially in British English.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in American English; in British English, it can also specifically refer to a collection of board games in a single box.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in casual speech in both varieties, but standard in formal and academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “compendium” in a Sentence
compendium of [subject/objects]compendium on [subject]to compile a compendiumVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to a 'compendium of company policies' or a 'compendium of market research'.
Academic
Common. Refers to textbooks, reference works, or collections of primary sources that summarize a field of study, e.g., 'a compendium of Roman law'.
Everyday
Uncommon. May be used to describe a collection of recipes, board games, or household tips.
Technical
Used in legal, medical, and scientific contexts to denote an authoritative collection of standards, procedures, or data, e.g., 'the pharmaceutical compendium'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “compendium”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “compendium”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “compendium”
- Using it to mean a long, detailed book (it implies conciseness).
- Using 'compendium' for a simple list without organization or summarization.
- Incorrect plural: 'compendiums' (acceptable) vs. 'compendia' (classical, often preferred in academia).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word used primarily in academic, legal, and technical contexts, or to describe specific types of reference books or collections.
An encyclopedia aims to be exhaustive and detailed on many subjects. A compendium is specifically concise, offering a summarized or digested overview of a single subject or a collection of related items.
Both are acceptable. 'Compendia' is the original Latin plural and is often preferred in formal and academic writing. 'Compendiums' is a regular English plural and is common in general usage.
Yes, absolutely. The term applies to content, not format. A digital database or website that provides a concise, comprehensive summary of information on a topic can be called a compendium.
A concise yet comprehensive collection of information or knowledge on a particular subject, typically in a single book.
Compendium is usually formal, academic in register.
Compendium: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpen.di.əm/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpen.di.əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMPENDIUM' as a COMPENDious (brief but comprehensive) MEDIUM (means) of information.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A CONTAINER (a compendium holds knowledge).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of a compendium?