英语词汇学 Chapter 7
Changes in Word Meaning1.Types of changes
1)Extension
The extension of meaning, the opposite of restriction, means the widening
of a word's sense until it covers much more than what it originally
conveyed.
2)Narrowing
Narrowing of meaning, also called restriction of meaning, means that a word
of wide meaning acquires a narrower, specialised sense which is applicable to
only one of the objects it previously denoted.
3)Elevation
When the meaning of a word narrows toward a more favourable meaning it is
called elevation
4)Degradation
Degradation means the falling of word meaning into disrepute, for one
reason or another. Words once respectable or neutral may shift to a less
respectable, or even derogatory meaning.
2. Causes of changes
1)Extra-linguistic factors
(1)historical reason
(2)class reason
(3)psychological reason
2)Linguistic factors
(1)shortening
(2)borrowing
(3)analogy
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