Describing Varieties - Lexis

Question 1

Define Lexicology

Answer 1

the study of words (vocab). Meaning and form = 2 main interests

Question 2

Define semasiology

Answer 2

variation in meaning

e. g. pavement (UK-side of the road, US-road surface)
- polysemy & homonymy

Question 3

Define onomasiology

Answer 3

variation in form

e. g. different names of pavement (UK-pavement, US-sidewalk)
- synonymy & antonymy

Question 4

Polysemy

Answer 4

one word has multiple, related meanings

e.g mouth

Question 5

Homonymy

Answer 5

2 words with different meanings but same/similar sounds

e.g. bat (animal vs object)

Question 6

Synonymy

Answer 6

different labels for the same meaning

e.g. boy/lad

Question 7

Antonymy

Answer 7

opposite meanings

e.g. big vs small

Question 8

Define colloquialisms

Answer 8

• used in an informal and writing; widely spread and understood.
• not geographically restricted

Question 9

Define slang

Answer 9

• each generation has it’s own slang of (dis)approval

- characteristically short lived, used by closed group of people, often united by common interest

Question 10

Define jargon

Answer 10

• sub-set of words in society

- typically belongs to ptofessions/interest groups and alloes users to speak with percision about technical matters