* Scope: A dictionary aims to be comprehensive, including a vast range of words, their definitions, pronunciations, and sometimes etymologies. It covers all aspects of a language.
* Specificity: A glossary is specific to a particular subject or field. It only lists words relevant to that subject. For example, a glossary for a medical textbook will only include medical terms, not common words used in everyday life.
Therefore, a glossary may have fewer words than a dictionary because it focuses on a smaller, more specific set of vocabulary. However, it's entirely possible for a glossary to have a large number of terms if the subject matter is complex or the glossary is comprehensive for that field.
Example:
* Dictionary: Contains thousands of words covering all aspects of the English language.
* Glossary for a Biology Textbook: Contains hundreds of specific biological terms, but not all the words in the English language.
Let me know if you'd like to explore any further!