Lexis and Semantics Flashcards
What does denotation and connotation mean?
When considering a text’s semantical meaning, you will often consider what its denotation is. A denotation is a dictionary definition of a word.
When you take this further in pragmatics, you will often look at what the emotional attachment with the word is, and what the word implies. This is called a connotation.
For example, you may look at the denotation of the word ‘baby’ as being an infant, but you can also look at the romantic connotations of calling a partner ‘baby’.
What is the difference between antonym and synonym?
A synonym is a word that means the same or almost the same as another word. Smart is a synonym for clever.
An antonym is a word that means the opposite or nearly the opposite of another word. Afraid is an antonym for brave.
What does homonym mean?
Homonym means each of two or more words having the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings and origins.
E.g accept - take in except - other than
What does register/formality mean?
Register is defined as the level of formality in language that’s determined by the context in which it is spoken or written.
What does collocation mean?
Collocation is ‘a predictable combination of words’ for example we can say heavy rain but not strong rain because it does not sound right’
What is the difference between euphemism and dysphemism
Euphemism soften references to topics that are sensitive, disagreeable, or taboo. Conversely, dysphemism refer to sensitive topics in a harsh or rude way. For example, “passed away” and “departed” are euphemisms for death, while “croaked” and “six feet under” are dysphemisms for death.
What does archaism mean?
A thing that is very old or old-fashioned, especially an archaic word or style of language or art.
What is jargon?
Special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.
What does dialect mean?
A particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group.
What is slang?
Slang is vocabulary that is used between people who belong to the same social group and who know each other well. Slang is very informal language.
What is colloquialism?
Some say “soccer,” others say “football.” They’re talking about the same sport, but what they call it is a matter of colloquialism. Colloquialism is everyday language used by people of a certain region.
Figurative language e.g. metaphor, simile,
hyperbole, pun examples?
Simile · 2. Metaphor · 3. Personification · 4. Onomatopoeia · 5. Oxymoron
What does semantic field mean?
A semantic field, also known as a lexical field or semantic domain, refers to a group of words or expressions that are related in meaning. These words or expressions typically share a common theme or topic
What is amelioration and pejoration?
While amelioration is a process in which a word that used to have a more negative meaning develops a more positive one over time, pejoration occurs when the once positive meaning of a word changes into a more negative one. The word ‘attitude’ is an example of pejoration.
What does broadening and narrowing mean?
Broadening is a key example of semantic change and is a common process that tends to occur slowly over many years.
The opposite of broadening is semantic narrowing. This is when a word’s meaning becomes less generalised over time.
