Lexical meaning

Definition

Lexical meaning refers to the meaning of a word or phrase as it is defined in a language's lexicon or dictionary. It encompasses the specific, dictionary-based meanings that words carry, which are often contrasted with their contextual or pragmatic meanings. Understanding lexical meaning is crucial for grasping how words combine and interact in compositional semantics, as it forms the foundation for how phrases and sentences convey overall meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lexical meaning plays a crucial role in understanding how language conveys precise information through its words.
2. It can differ from pragmatic meaning, which focuses on how context affects the interpretation of words and phrases.
3. Lexical meaning involves various components such as synonyms, antonyms, and hyponyms, which all contribute to the richness of language.
4. Words can have multiple lexical meanings depending on their usage in different contexts, a phenomenon known as polysemy.
5. In compositional semantics, understanding the lexical meanings of individual words is essential for interpreting complex sentences accurately.

Review Questions

• How does lexical meaning contribute to compositional semantics in constructing sentence meaning?
  • Lexical meaning is fundamental to compositional semantics because it provides the building blocks necessary for forming larger expressions. Each word’s specific definition shapes how they combine with other words to create coherent phrases and sentences. For instance, knowing that 'cat' refers to a small domesticated feline allows us to understand sentences like 'The cat sat on the mat' accurately by linking the meanings of 'cat' and 'mat'.
• Discuss the differences between lexical meaning, denotation, and connotation, and how these concepts interact in language.
  • Lexical meaning is closely tied to denotation, which is the explicit definition of a word. However, connotation adds layers of additional meaning that can influence interpretation based on cultural or emotional contexts. For example, while 'home' denotes a place where one lives (lexical meaning), it may connote feelings of warmth and safety. Understanding these distinctions helps in analyzing how words function within sentences and contribute to overall meaning.
• Evaluate the importance of distinguishing between lexical and pragmatic meanings in understanding language use.
  • Distinguishing between lexical and pragmatic meanings is essential for fully grasping how language operates in communication. While lexical meanings provide fixed definitions of words, pragmatic meanings account for context and speaker intentions that affect interpretation. For instance, saying 'Can you pass the salt?' has a straightforward lexical interpretation but pragmatically implies a request rather than just an inquiry about ability. This evaluation highlights why both aspects are necessary for comprehensive language comprehension.

Related terms

compositional semantics: The branch of semantics that studies how the meanings of larger expressions, such as sentences and phrases, are derived from the meanings of their individual components.

denotation: The literal, primary meaning of a word or expression, as opposed to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.

connotation: The additional meanings, associations, or emotional implications that a word carries beyond its literal definition.