Lexis and Semantics Flashcards
Denotative meaning
the literal, dictionary meaning
Connotative meaning
the associated meaning of words
Figurative language
language used in a non literal way in order to describe something
Semantic field
groups of words connected by a shared field of reference
Synonyms
words with equivalent meanings
Antonyms
words that have directly contrasting meanings
Hypernyms
words that label categories, eg animal (dog, cat)
Hyponyms
words that can be included under a hypernym
Levels of formality
vocabulary styles including slang, colloquialisms, taboo, formal, 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
language style of a specific region
Neology
the process of new word formation
Semantic change
the process of words changing meaning
