A glossary is a bit on the finish of a written work that defines complicated, technical, or superior phrases. You may consider a glossary as a mini-dictionary for phrases utilized in that work. Glossaries are generally utilized in analysis papers and tutorial books to clarify particular phrases or jargon readers wouldn’t perceive.
On this information, we clarify the fundamentals of glossaries, together with whenever you want them and methods to write them. We’ll even share a glossary instance that can assist you make your individual.
What’s a glossary in a e book?
A glossary in a e book (or paper or different written materials) is a particular part that gives definitions for sophisticated phrases. It’s formatted like a dictionary, with the key phrases organized alphabetically and their definitions written in plain language.
In contrast to dictionaries, glossaries outline solely the phrases utilized in a piece. A glossary comes on the finish of a e book or paper, so readers can discover it simply once they want it whereas studying.
What’s a glossary used for?
What does a glossary do? Some written works use lots of unusual phrases, particularly tutorial works, equivalent to analysis or thesis papers. As an help to readers, these works typically present a glossary to outline the tough phrases, so readers can look them up shortly with out consulting a dictionary.
Moreover, as a result of glossaries embody solely the phrases that seem in a piece, readers can look them up sooner than in a dictionary, which has a complete language’s value of phrases.
Glossary instance
Glossary
adjective: a phrase that modifies or describes a noun by naming an attribute.
adverb: a phrase that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or one other adverb.
apostrophe: a punctuation mark ( ‘ ) used to create the possessive type of a noun and to point out sure letters are omitted in contractions.
Citing sources for a glossary
In case you are writing a glossary, you do not have to cite your sources. Definitions are thought of frequent data—even when the phrases are unusual—so no citations are essential.
Nevertheless, in formal writing, equivalent to analysis papers or dissertations, it’s essential to present a quotation in case you’re quoting a glossary entry from one other work. Likewise, in case you’re utilizing a selected or controversial definition from a sure glossary that’s totally different from different definitions, it’s essential to cite your supply.
The proper format for glossary citations varies relying on whether or not you’re utilizing APA or MLA format. In the event you’re undecided of the formatting, use our free quotation generator to routinely create the quotation you want.
Glossary vs. index
Glossaries and indexes are typically combined up as a result of they each come on the finish of a piece and are organized alphabetically by key phrase. Regardless of their similarities, although, glossaries and indexes serve two totally different functions.
A glossary offers definitions for complicated phrases. An index, nevertheless, is a instrument for locating the place within the work a sure matter is mentioned. As an alternative of definitions, an index lists web page numbers the place readers can discover the content material they’re searching for.
Indexes are organized by matter; for instance, in case you’re writing a report on Mahatma Gandhi, and considered one of your sources is a e book on the historical past of India, you may search for “Gandhi, Mahatma” within the index to seek out the pages that point out him. In contrast to a glossary, indexes don’t give any data or particulars a few matter, simply the locations the place it’s mentioned within the work.
Glossary FAQs
What’s a glossary in a e book?
A glossary is a bit on the finish of a written work that defines complicated, technical, or superior phrases. You may consider glossaries as a mini-dictionary for phrases utilized in that work. Glossaries are generally utilized in analysis papers and tutorial books to clarify sure phrases readers wouldn’t perceive.
What does a glossary do?
Educational and sophisticated written works typically use superior phrases readers won’t be acquainted with. When these tough phrases are outlined in a glossary on the finish of a piece, readers can search for the definitions shortly with out consulting a dictionary.
What’s the distinction between a glossary and an index?
Glossaries and indexes are typically combined up as a result of they each come on the finish of a piece and are organized alphabetically by key phrase. A glossary offers definitions for complicated phrases, whereas an index is a instrument for locating the place within the work a sure matter is mentioned. Glossaries present definitions, whereas indexes present web page numbers.