Definition
|
A synonym lexical relation is a relationship between two or more lexical units which have identical core semantic components and which differ only with respect to their supplemental or peripheral components. |
Introduction
Discovering and understanding the use of words which have the lexical relation synonym is important for the accurate and effective choice of words in communication and translation.
Comparison
Kinds:
|
Synonym type |
Definition |
Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Stylistic (most common) |
A lexical unit that has a similar range of referencebut is differentiated by speaker intention, the audience, and the situation. |
{happy, glad, joyful} |
|
Loanword |
A nearly synonymous lexical unit, borrowed from another language to fill what is perceived to be a semantic gap. |
The wordkabunyan means 'sky' in Tuwali Ifugao, but the word langitwhich means 'sky' in Tagalog has been borrowed to refer to 'heaven.' |
|
Dialectal |
Different lexical units that are part of the vocabulary of different dialects but have very similar ranges of reference. |
{flashlight (American English), torch (British English)} |
Additional information
Underlying Structure:
|
The underlying structure of a synonym set is a simple set. Frame: Here is a frame for testing and eliciting a synonym lexical relation set:
|
Sources 1
- Cruse 1986, 267