What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anthology
Example
I bought an anthology of classic American literature. [anthology: noun]
Example
The anthology features a diverse range of short stories from different cultures. [anthology: adjective]
compilation
Example
I made a compilation of my favorite songs for the road trip. [compilation: noun]
Example
The report is a compilation of data from various sources. [compilation: noun]
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 used in various contexts, such as music, videos, or data. Anthology, on the other hand, is more commonly used in academic or literary settings to refer to collections of literary works.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anthology and compilation?
While anthology is typically associated with a more formal and academic tone, compilation is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.