English language and linguistics definitions

linguistic features

Features of language such as sound, morphology, and syntax.

denotation

The literal referential definition of a word.

connotation

The association a sound creates, often carrying emotional meaning; can be individual or cultural.

logical semantics

Concerns the semantics of word meaning.

semantic field

A group of words that share the same kind of connotation.

euphemisms

Words/phrases used to replace those that are taboo or offensive to avoid direct reference to something considered impolite.

homonyms

Words with different meanings that are pronounced or spelled the same way.

semantic ambiguity

A word/phrase/sentence interpreted to have more than one meaning, supported by explanation of its ambiguity.

hypernyms

Words with a classification function that include other words, e.g., 'vehicle' includes 'car', 'bus'.

meronyms

Words/phrases that refer to parts of a whole, e.g., 'branches', 'roots', 'trunk'.

lexis

The total stock of words in a language, focusing on vocabulary.

lexeme

A basic lexical unit of language that consists of one or several words.

systemic

The view of language as a network of systems for making meaning.

specialist lexis

Technical or field-specific vocabulary used within particular professions or academic disciplines.

everyday lexis

Common, frequently used words familiar to most speakers and used in daily communication.

form

Describes what a word/sentence looks like, including how it can change.

function

Relates to where a word occurs and what it does in context.

ideational function

To express and connect ideas.

interpersonal function

To interact with others.

textual function

To organize ideas and interactions in coherent texts.