LEXICAL ITEM Meaning and
Definition
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A lexical item refers to a single word or a multi-word expression within a language, which possesses its own meaning and grammatical properties. It is the basic unit of lexical analysis, assisting in understanding language structures and meaning. Lexical items are essentially the building blocks of a language's lexicon, or vocabulary.
Each lexical item represents a specific concept or idea, and can be categorized into various groups such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. For example, words like "book," "run," "happy," "quickly," "he," "with," "and," and "oops" are all individual lexical items.
Furthermore, lexical items can also include idiomatic expressions, fixed phrases, collocations, and compound words. These extend beyond single words, sometimes forming a meaningful unit with a different meaning than the sum of its individual parts. For instance, "take into account" and "break a leg" are multi-word lexical items that convey distinct meanings compared to their component words.
Additionally, lexical items possess grammatical characteristics that influence their role within a sentence. They may undergo inflection or be modified by adverbs, adjectives, or determiners to convey different grammatical relationships or nuances.
In summary, a lexical item is a fundamental unit of language, typically represented by a single word or multi-word expression, conveying a specific meaning and having its own grammatical properties. These items form the basis of a language's lexicon, enabling communication and understanding among its speakers.
Etymology of LEXICAL ITEM
The word "lexical item" is constructed from two linguistic terms: "lexical" and "item".
The term "lexical" is derived from the Greek word "lexis", meaning "word" or "speech". It entered the English language in the early 18th century, originally referring to words or phrases related to a particular vocabulary or lexicon.
The term "item" comes from the Latin word "item", meaning "also" or "likewise". It entered the English language in the late 16th century, initially used to indicate a particular thing or object.
In linguistics, the term "lexical item" refers to the smallest unit of meaning within a language, often represented by a single word or combination of words. It encompasses various language elements, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and even multi-word expressions.
