Lexis and Semantics Flashcards
What is amelioration?
A word takes on a positive meaning over time
What is extension? 🐭🖱️
A word takes on more meanings over time
e.g. mouse meaning the rodent __> to meaning computer mouses too
What is a neologism?
A newly coined lexeme or expression
What did ‘thou’ mean? What period was it used in and why did it fall out of use?
1) ‘You’, informal + singular
2) Old English
3) Syntactical change caused it to fall out of use as ‘ye’s shift meant it was associated with those of lower social standings.
(though it also came to signify familiarity and intimacy
What did ‘ye’ mean? Who was it used for, and how did this change? What period was it used in?
1) ‘You’, formal + plural to singular by end.
2) Used for person of high social standing, initially, eventually for everyone
3)
