Society and institution 5

syntax

grammar and word order in a language

modality

meanings expressing concepts such as possibility and necessity

modal verbs

verbs used to express modality, like must, could, and should

phonology

the sound system of a language, including pronunciation and intonation

phoneme

a distinct individual sound that distinguishes one word from another

diphthong

a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable

lexicon

specialized term for the total vocabulary of a language

orthography

specialized term for writing systems, spelling, and letters

character

a letter, sign, or symbol used in writing

pictogram

a character or symbol representing a pictorial image

ideogram

a character or symbol representing an idea or concept

morphology

the study of how words are formed from smaller units

morpheme

the smallest unit of meaning in a language

polysemous

having a number of different meanings

context

the surrounding text, speech, or situation that clarifies meaning

metaphorical

used figuratively rather than in a literal or strict sense

literal

taking words in their basic or original sense without metaphor

usage

the way in which words and phrases are habitually used

obsolete

no longer used or fall out of use

coined

newly invented or created (referring to words)

register

the style of language used in a particular social situation (e.g., formal, informal)

jargon

specialized vocabulary used by a specific group, profession, or interest

articulate

able to express ideas clearly and effectively in words

eloquent

able to express ideas fluently and persuasively to influence others

succinct

clearly expressed using few words

mot juste

exactly the right word or phrase for a particular situation

inarticulate

unable to express ideas or feelings clearly in words

speechless

unable to speak due to shock, surprise, or strong emotion

lost for words

so surprised or shocked that you do not know what to say

put your foot in it

to say something accidentally that upsets, embarrasses, or offends someone