lexis and semantics Flashcards
what is lexis
the study of words
what is semantics
the study of the meaning of words
what is a words dénotation
its dictionary definition
what is a words connotation?
the meanings beyond its dictionary definitions
what is a semantic feild and give an example?
-based on association
-death: black, afterlife, hades,raven.
what is a lexical field and give an example?
-subject area association
-birds: raven, dove, chicken, penguin
what is the high register lexical register?
-words that are of a more sophisticated level and directed towards more intellectual of an audience
what is the low register lexical register?
use of short, commonly used and informal language made to appeal to all audiences and even children
what is the fluctuating register lexical register?
-a mixed register that can switch between high register and low register
-can be used as a source of balance but also humour and a strategy for engagement
L- what is high frequency lexis?
commonly used words
L- what is low frequency lexis?
rarely used words
L- what is monosyllabic lexis?
one syllable words
L-what is disyllabic lexis?
two syllabled words
L- what is polysyllabic lexis?
words with multiple syllables
L-what is subject specific lexis?
words closely connected to one subject
L- what is jargon
language specific to one profession that is often difficult for others to understand
L- what is colloquial language?
everyday informal language
L-what is slang?
language common to a group that excludes others
L- what is dialect?
language common to one regional area
L- what is taboo?
swear words
L-What are address terms(formal and informal)?
the formal and informal ways that we address each other
L-what are courtesy terms(formal or informal)?
polite phrases such as thank you/cheers
L-what is archaism?
old words
L- what is neologism?
newly created words
L- what is contraction?
two words merged into one using an apostrophe
L- what is a collocation?
words that are commonly found together
S- what is a loaded term?
words with very strong or emotional connotations
S- what is a metaphor?
non literal comparison
S- what is a simile?
comparison using like or as
S- what is personification?
application of human qualities to non human entities
S- what is zoomorphism?
application of animal qualities to non animals
S- what is a euphemism?
polite/indirect phrase to avoid addressing a sensitive topic
S- what is political euphemism?
jargonistic, politically indirect phrase to avoid a sensitive topic
S- what is dysphemism?
blunt and sometimes offensive expression for a neutral
term (“loony bin” for “mental ward”)
S- what is a metonym?
a word used to represent something that it is associated with(“ the crown” for “royalty”)
S- what is a synecdoche?
word come from a part of something that is used to refer to the whole thing (“wheels” for “car”)
S-what is cliché?
an overused expression
S- what is hyperbole?
exaggeration for effect
S-what is repetition?
repetition of a particular word or phrase to draw attention to it
S- what is an idiom or an idiomatic expression
long established expression with an accepted meaning within a culture
