MESOSEME Meaning and
Definition
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Mesoseme is a linguistic term coined by American linguist Benjamin Whorf in the early 20th century to describe a specific category of words in a language that possess a secondary meaning that is not readily apparent or transparent based on their immediate context. These words often contain semantic nuances, cultural connotations, or abstract concepts that require a deeper understanding of the language and its associated cultural context to fully comprehend.
The term "meso" in Mesoseme refers to the middle position of these words between purely denotative (literal) and fully connotative (figurative) meanings. Unlike denotative words that directly represent a specific object or action and connotative words that carry metaphorical or symbolic associations, mesosemes present shades of meaning that elicit subjective associations that can vary from person to person.
Mesosemes are particularly prevalent in languages with rich cultural traditions or complex sociolinguistic systems, as these factors contribute to the accumulation of deeper layers of meaning over time. Examples of mesosemes include words with multiple metaphoric possibilities, cultural allusions, or moral undertones that can only be fully grasped by native speakers or those with extensive knowledge of the language.
In summary, mesosemes are words that possess a middle ground between literal and figurative meanings, often requiring an understanding of cultural context or specific connotations to grasp their full significance. These words add depth and richness to language, facilitating nuanced communication and reflecting the intricacies of human thought and culture.
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Noting an orbital aperture with an index between 84 and 89.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MESOSEME
Etymology of MESOSEME
The word "Mesoseme" is a linguistic term that was coined by linguist Louis Hjelmslev in his work "Prolegomena to a Theory of Language" published in 1943. The term combines two Greek roots: "meso", which means "middle" or "between", and "seme", which means "sign" or "meaning". Hjelmslev used this term to describe a unit of meaning that lies between the smallest meaningful units (phonemes) and larger units such as words or phrases in the structure of language. Mesosemes are intermediate units that carry semantic content. The term was introduced as part of Hjelmslev's structuralist approach to language and semiotics.
Similar spelling words for MESOSEME
- Myoseismia,
- mesosoma,
- MSIASM,
- masazumi,
- MCISME,
- Mosaism,
- MUSIASEM,
- mesosome,
- MSASM,
- myoseism,
- MSUESM.
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