Question

What is the difference between a dictionary and an encyclopedia? Find out.

Answer 1

A printed dictionary is typically found in one volume that contains tens of thousands of words and brief definitions, whereas a printed set of encyclopedias contains multiple volumes and in-depth explanations of words and concepts. A dictionary is more commonly used to verify the meaning of a word. An encyclopedia is used to gain a deeper understanding of that word.

Encyclopedias contain more general knowledge than dictionaries. A dictionary is very specific regarding the pronunciation, origin, and use of a word, while an encyclopedia explains to readers why that word is important. A person who reads a page from an encyclopedia may see a total of one or two entries on that page, while a person reading a page in a dictionary may see dozens of entries.