Lexis And Semantics

Question 1

Denotative and connotative meanings

Answer 1

The literal (denotative) and associated (connotative) meanings of words

Question 2

Figurative language

Answer 2

Language used in a non-literal way in order to describe something in another’s terms (e.g. simile or metaphor)

Question 3

Semantic fields

Answer 3

Groups of words connected by a shared field of reference

Question 4

Synonyms

Answer 4

Words that have equivalent meanings

Question 5

Hypernyms

Answer 5

Words that label categories e.g. animal

Question 6

Hyponyms

Answer 6

Words that can be included in a larger, more general category (e.g. the hyponys car, train can be included in the hypernym transport)

Question 7

Antonyms

Answer 7

Words that have contrasting meanings

Question 8

Levels of formality

Answer 8

Vocabulary styles including slang, colloquialisms, taboo, formal and fixed levels

Question 9

Occupational register

Answer 9

A technical vocabulary associated with a particular occupation or activity

Question 10

Sociolect

Answer 10

A language style associated with a particular social group

Question 11

Dialect

Answer 11

A language style associated with a particular geographical region

Question 12

Neology

Answer 12

The process of new word formation, including the following- blends, compounds, acronyms, initialise, eponyms

Question 13

Semantic change

Answer 13

The process of words changing meaning, such as narrowing, broadening, amelioration, prejoration, semantic reclamation