4

I'm looking for an adjective that would mean essentially the equivalent to the meaning some might ascribe to the made up word "vocabularic." Is there a word that means "of or applying to vocabulary?"

For example: "I hope this utilitarian endowment proves itself by aiding in the construction of constructs and the eschewing of [vocabularic] obfuscation."

I realize this word is found in some dictionaries, such Wiktionary, but I was wondering if a more general, scholarly, or accepted word is commonly used.

Improve this question
4
  • 4
    I think the eschewing of vocabularic obfuscation is a fabulous autological term!
    – bib
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:11
  • @bib: That comment was the most obfuscated sarcasm I've ever read.
    – Tushar Raj
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:18
  • 1
    OED says adjectival vocabulary (Of or pertaining to words; composed of, or concerned with, words) is "rare". But they don't say that of vocabular (Of, pertaining to, or concerning words). Sadly for @bib, they don't actually list vocabularic at all.
    – FumbleFingers
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:40
  • 2
    In the example you give I would simply use verbal.
    – WS2
    Jul 10, 2015 at 21:01

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
9

lexical

Relating to the words or vocabulary of a language (Oxford)

...eschewing of lexical obfuscation

Improve this answer
4
  • I actually meant that the entire sentence I made as an example refers to a dictionary being given as a gift.
    – intcreator
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:11
  • @brandaemon: See edit
    – Tushar Raj
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:17
  • 1
    @brandaemon- I’d think that such a gift would tend to encourage sesquipedalianism.
    – Jim
    Jul 10, 2015 at 20:24
  • This answer most applies to vocabulary itself.
    – intcreator
    Jul 11, 2015 at 1:26
0

dictional is the adjective form of diction, which means choice of words, especially with regard to correctness, clearness or effectiveness (Merriam Webster).

So...

We eschew dictional obfuscation.

Improve this answer
1
  • I'm looking more for something that applies to words themselves rather than which words to use
    – intcreator
    Jul 11, 2015 at 1:27
0

Rewritten example: "I hope this utilitarian endowment proves itself by aiding in the construction of constructs and the eschewing of semantic obfuscation."

Improve this answer
2
  • Semantics has more to do with language and structure rather than words and definitions
    – intcreator
    Jul 11, 2015 at 1:26
  • @brandaemon I don't know why you say that, semantics specifically pertains to meaning. It should not be confused with "linguistic" or "syntactic".
    – Val Kornea
    Jul 11, 2015 at 1:33

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.