The spelling of "lexical meaning" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word begins with the "l" sound, represented by the symbol /l/. This is followed by the "eh" vowel sound, written as /ɛ/ in IPA. The next sound is a "k" sound, represented by /k/. The word then features the "s" sound, written as /s/ in IPA. It ends with the "ih" vowel sound, spelled out as /ɪ/. Therefore, the spelling of "lexical meaning" can be transcribed as /ˈlɛksɪkəl ˈmiːnɪŋ/.
Lexical meaning refers to the meaning of words or phrases that can be found in a dictionary. It is the basic or primary sense or interpretation of a word that is commonly accepted and understood by speakers of a language. The lexical meaning of a word consists of the specific concepts or ideas that it represents.
When discussing lexical meaning, it is important to note that it can be broken down into two categories: denotation and connotation. Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, often representing its core meaning. For example, the word "dog" denotes a domesticated canid mammal.
Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the additional associations or emotional undertones that a word carries. These associations can vary among different people or cultures. For instance, the word "dog" may connote loyalty, companionship, or even cowardice depending on the context and personal experiences.
Overall, lexical meaning encompasses both the denotative and connotative aspects of a word. While the denotation provides the basic definition, the connotation contributes the shades of meaning and emotional implications that enrich a word's overall significance. Understanding the lexical meaning is crucial for effective communication and comprehension in any language.
The word "lexical" is derived from the Greek word "lexikos", meaning "pertaining to words". "Lexikos" is derived from "lexis", which means "word" or "speech".
"Meaning" originates from the Old English word "mænan", which means "to intend" or "to indicate". It is further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "mainijaną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "mei-", meaning "to change" or "to exchange".
Therefore, the etymology of "lexical meaning" can be understood as the combination of "lexis" (word) and "meaning" (intend or indicate), referring to the intended or indicated sense of a word.