Key Terms for Semantics and Lexicon

These words form part of the discussion of the readings for this section, and you should become familiar with them. You can find them defined separately in the Glossary in the back of our textbook, as well as the online glossary on this site. Some of these terms may also come from our lectures, supplementary readings, and workbook exercises for the unit. You may find it helpful to continually refer back to this list as you progress through the material and lectures of this unit.

lexicon
semantics
metaphor
metonymy
synecdoche
generalization
specialization
subjective
objective
pejoration
amelioration
synaesthesia
euphemism
taboo
calque
back formation