Encyclopaedic is a term that describes something that covers a wide range of knowledge or information. The word is pronounced /ɛnˌsaɪkləˈpiːdɪk/ with stress on the third syllable. In the spelling, the letter "c" appears twice, but it is pronounced differently in each instance. The first "c" is pronounced as /s/ and the second "c" as /k/. The "y" is pronounced as /aɪ/ and the final "ic" is pronounced as /ɪk/. This word is commonly used to describe someone who has a vast and diverse range of knowledge.
The term "encyclopaedic" refers to something that is comprehensive and covers a wide range or variety of subjects or areas of knowledge. It is derived from the word "encyclopedia," which is a reference work that contains information on various topics.
When describing a person as encyclopaedic, it implies that they possess extensive knowledge about a broad array of subjects. Such individuals are often considered to be well-rounded and well-informed. They can provide detailed information and insights on numerous topics, demonstrating a depth of knowledge that covers different fields of study or areas of expertise. An encyclopaedic person is usually well-read, curious, and constantly seeks to learn and absorb information from various sources.
The term can also be applied to describe a book, document, or resource that encompasses a wide range of information. An encyclopaedic book typically covers a multitude of subjects, offering detailed explanations, facts, and references to facilitate educational or research purposes. It serves as a comprehensive reference source, providing readers with a significant amount of knowledge in various disciplines.
In summary, "encyclopaedic" denotes a broad and encompassing nature, particularly regarding knowledge. It can be used to describe a person who has vast knowledge across different topics or a resource that provides comprehensive information on a wide range of subjects.
The word "encyclopaedic" is derived from the Greek word "enkyklios paideia", which means "general education". "Enkyklios" means "circular" or "rounded", while "paideia" refers to "education" or "instruction". Over time, the Greek phrase was transliterated into Latin as "encyclopaedia", which was eventually anglicized to "encyclopedia". The term "encyclopaedic" is derived from "encyclopedia" and is used to describe something that is comprehensive or extensive in its coverage.