What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anthologies
Example
I love reading anthologies because they offer a variety of perspectives on a particular topic. [anthologies: noun]
Example
She contributed a poem to the anthology of contemporary poetry. [anthology: noun]
compilation
Example
The album is a compilation of their greatest hits from the past decade. [compilation: noun]
Example
He spent hours compiling research data for his report. [compiling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Compilation is more commonly used than anthology in everyday language. Compilation is a versatile term that can be applied to different contexts, including music, videos, and data. Anthology, on the other hand, is more commonly used in the field of literature and may be less familiar to non-literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anthologies and compilation?
Both anthology and compilation can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, anthology is more commonly associated with the literary world and may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its specific association with written works.
