Lexis and Semantics Flashcards
What is a denotation?
The straightforward meaning of a word, for example summer being the season between spring and autumn
What is a connotation?
The associations a word has and can be positive or negative. For example Summer has connotations of positivity
What is figurative language?
Use of metaphors not in a literal way. for example he responded to her criticism with a storm of abuse.
What’s the difference between a denotation and a connotation?
Denotation is the straightforward meaning and a connotations are the associations.
Can you give examples of language devices used in figurative language.
Metaphors, Similes, Personification, Pathetic Fallacy, Imagery
What are semantics ?
Study of word meanings
What is a semantic field?
Group of words with similar meanings e.g for football - goalie, tackle, ref
What is a hypernym and how is it different from a hyponym?
A hypernym is is a general word used to describe a category with more specific words for example clothes. hyponyms are more specific words that are subcategories and can become hypernyms, e.g jacket
What is a synonym and what is an antonym?
Synonyms are words with similar meanings for example start and begin. Antonyms are words with opposite meanings e.g start/ finish, thin/ fat.
What is formal lexis?
Formal lexis are words which are complex and polysyllabic. They tend to be impersonal and are typically used in formal and upper class settings. For example automobile.
What is informal lexis?
Simple and monosyllabic words for example cars. They tend to be used by lower class people.
What is ambiguous language?
Words/ phrases with more than one meaning and is typically down to interpretation. For example Gatsby reaching out in the dark chp 1
What is irony?
Words/ phrases which are said or written opposite to what they actually mean. Event having consequences opposite to what actually happen. For example “he said he forgave her but this only made her feel worse”
What is dramatic irony?
When something said in a play has a deeper significance and this is only understood by the audience not characters. e.g stanley wanting belle reve
What is a pun?
Play on words/ phrase to have a double meaning. For example newspaper headings “Butter Battle Spreads”
