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Definition
| A process of linguistic change. Happens gradually over time as old meanings are forgotten, in response to new contexts/slang. E.g. Coach, virus |
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Definition
| Word takes on a more positive meaning. E.g. Priest |
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| Word takes on a more negative meaning, and loses status. E.g. Idiot, Notorious, Mistress |
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| Word loses strength of its meaning. E.g. Soon, presently |
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Definition
| A word becomes more specific in its meaning. E.g. Meat, Wife |
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| Keeps its original meaning but gains new ones too e.g. Place |
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| A word acquires a new meaning because it is used metaphorically e.g. Bug |
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| A way of describing something in a less harsh/embarrassing manner e.g. Firing, Doing it |
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Definition
| Metaphorical expression that can't be understood literally from its individual parts e.g. "Pull your socks up" |
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