Lexis + Semantics Flashcards
Lexis
Words
Semantics
The meaning of words or the sentences
Denotative + connotative meanings
The literal meaning of words (denotative)
The associated meanings of words (connotative)
Figurative language
Language used in a non-literal way in order to describe something in another’s terms (e.g simile or metaphor)
Semantic fields
Group of words connected by a shared field of reference e.g medicine, art
Synonyms
Words that have equivalent meanings
Antonyms
Words that have contrasting meanings
Hypernyms
Words that label categories e.g animal - cat or dog.
Levels of formality
Vocabulary styles including slang, colloquialisms, taboo, formal and fixed levels
Occupational register
A technical vocabulary associated with a particular occupation or activity
Sociolect
A language style associated with a particular social group
Dialect
A language style associated with a particular geographical region
Neology
The process of new words formation, including: blends, compounds, acronyms, initialisms, eponyms
Semantic change
The process of words changing meanings, including: narrowing, broadening, amelioration, pejoration, semantic reclamation
