Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Language Change - key terms
Key terms from AQA A2 English Language
24
English
12th Grade
05/30/2013

Additional English Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Borrowing/Load word
Definition
The introduction of a words from one language to another. These can be anglicised or remain similar to the original in spelling and pronunciation
Term
Eponym
Definition
The name of a person after whom something is named (for example, Sandwich or Braille)
Term
Proprietary names
Definition
The name given to a product by one organisation becomes the commonly used name for the same product (For example, hoover or walkman
Term
Acronym
Definition
A lexicalised word made up from the initial letters of a phrase (sounded as a word) such as RADAR
Term
Initialism
Definition
A word made from initial letters, each being pronounced such as CD
Term
Clipping
Definition
A new word produced by shortening an existing one such as 'edit' from 'editor'
Term
Affixation
Definition
The addition of bound morphemes to an existing word (These include prefixes and suffixes)
Term
Prefixes
Definition
The addition of a bound morpheme to the beginning of the root word (For example, mega/uber)
Term
Suffixes
Definition
The addition of a bound morpheme to the end of a root word
Term
Conversion
Definition
When a word changes its word class without adding a suffix (For example, 'text' can be used as a noun or a verb)
Term
Compound
Definition
The combining of separate words to create a new word, sometimes using a hyphen to link them ('Size zero', 'man flu'
Term
Back formation
Definition
The removal of an imagined affix from an existing word (editor be edit, even though 'or' was not originally an affix)
Term
Blend
Definition
Two words fusing to make a new one ('smog' from smoke and fog)
Term
Amelioration
Definition
A word takes on a different, more positive meaning than it had previously, thereby gaining status
Term
Pejoration
Definition
A word takes on a different, more negative meaning than it had previously, so losing status
Term
Weakening
Definition
A word loses the strength of its original meaning
Term
Narrowing
Definition
A word becomes more specific in its meaning
Term
Broadening
Definition
A word keeps it's original meaning but acquires others
Term
Metaphor
Definition
A word acquires a new meaning because it is used metaphorically
Term
Euphemism
Definition
A way of describing something unpleasant in a more pleasant manner
Term
Idiom
Definition
A speech form, or expression, that can't be understood literally from the meanings of the separate parts
Term
Obsolete
Definition
No longer having any use
Term
Drift
Definition
A process of linguistic change over a period of time
Term
Archaism
Definition
An old word or phrase no longer in general spoken or written use
Supporting users have an ad free experience!