Learn English – Difference between terminology and nomenclature

differencessynonyms

What is the difference between terminology and nomenclature?

If I want to say that I use the same words with the exact same meaning as author X, what would you say?

  • "We use the same terminology as author X"

or

  • "We use the same nomenclature as author X"

Best Answer

I see very little difference between the two:

terminology |ˌtərməˈnäləjē| noun ( pl. -gies) the body of terms used with a particular technical application in a subject of study, theory, profession, etc. : the terminology of semiotics | specialized terminologies for higher education.

nomenclature |ˈnōmənˌklā ch ər| noun the devising or choosing of names for things, esp. in a science or other discipline. • the body or system of such names in a particular field : the nomenclature of chemical compounds. • formal the term or terms applied to someone or something : “customers” was preferred to the original nomenclature “passengers.”

Based on these definitions from NOAD, terminology seems a little broader, that is all, while nomenclature seems more systematic and deliberate.

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