Lexical Terminology Flashcards
(22 cards)
Lexical field
A group of words related by a common theme or subject
Diction
The choice of words used by the writer, often reflecting tone or style
Formal register
Language used in serious, professional or academic contexts
Informal register
Casual language used in everyday conversation or informal writing
Colloquial language
Informal language used in everyday speech, often regional or specific to a social group
Slang
Informal, often culturally specific words or expressions
Jargon
Specialised language used by a particular group, profession or field.
Cliche
Overused phrases that have lost their original meaning or impact
Euphemism
A mild or less direct word or phrase used to avoid being offensive or blunt
Dysphemism
A harsh or offensive word used instead of a neutral or more polite term
Neologism
A newly coined word or expression
Loanword/borrowing
A word borrowed from another language
Acronym
A word formed from the initial letters of a phrase EG “NASA”
Synonym
A word with a similar meaning to another word
Antonym
A word with the opposite meaning to another word
Homophone
Words that sound the same but have different meanings or spellings EG “two” “too”
Polysemy
A word that has multiple meanings EG “bank”
Hyperbole
Exaggeration used for emphasis or effect
Eponym
A word derived from the name of a person or place
Metaphor
A comparison between two things without using “like” or “as”
Simile
A comparison between two things using “like” or “as”
Pun
A play on words, often for humorous effect
