Lexical Meaning
What does lexical meaning describe?
The meaning of a word.
What is denotational meaning?
It is the literal, dictionary definition of a word.
What does the word “ice” denote?
Frozen water.
What is connotational meaning?
The additional, implied, or emotional meaning a word carries beyond its literal definition.
What is emotive charge?
The emotional feeling or reaction associated with a word.
What two parts make up lexical meaning?
Denotation and connotation.
What does denotation explain?
What a word refers to.
What does the word “Arctic” denote?
The region around the North Pole
How is connotation different from denotation?
Denotation is fixed and literal, while connotation is subjective and can vary.
What is stylistic value?
Level of formality.
Why isn’t lexical meaning simple?
It has multiple layers.
What can denotation represent?
Objects, concepts, phenomena.
Why can people understand words like “Arctic” even if they have never been there?
Because denotational meaning is shared and does not require personal experience.
What does the word “snake” connote?
It often suggests danger or betrayal.
What do “home” and “house” have in common, and how do they differ?
Both denote a place to live, but “home” has a warm emotional connotation while “house” is neutral.
What two aspects does lexical meaning combine?
Literal and implied meaning.
Why is denotation reliable?
It is shared by all speakers.
How does denotational meaning help people with different backgrounds communicate?
It gives a common reference point that everyone can understand regardless of experience.
Why can connotational meaning vary between people?
Because it depends on personal experience, culture, and context.
Compare “childish” and “childlike.”
“Childish” has a negative connotation (immaturity), while “childlike” has a positive connotation (innocence).
Why is lexical meaning important?
It enables clear communication.
Why do people understand the same word differently but still communicate?
They share its basic meaning.
Explain why denotational meaning is considered stable.
Because its meaning does not change based on personal feelings or context; it remains consistent across speakers.
Explain how connotation affects communication.
It influences how messages are interpreted emotionally and culturally, adding depth but also potential misunderstanding.
How do words like “slim” and “skinny” demonstrate connotation?
Both describe thinness, but “slim” is positive while “skinny” is negative, showing how connotation changes perception.