#1
What does the term 'dormant word' refer to in linguistics?
A word that is rarely used
ExplanationA word that is infrequently employed in language.
#2
Which term describes the intentional creation of a new word or expression?
Neologism
ExplanationThe deliberate introduction of a new word or expression into a language.
#3
What term is used to describe the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely positioned words?
Alliteration
ExplanationThe repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of closely positioned words.
#4
What is the term for the intentional use of a word that imitates the sound it describes, such as 'bang' or 'clang'?
Onomatopoeia
ExplanationThe use of words that imitate the sounds they represent.
#5
In the context of language, what is a 'lexical gap'?
A gap in vocabulary
ExplanationAn absence or void in a language's lexicon.
#6
Which term is used to describe a word that has fallen out of common usage over time?
Archaic
ExplanationA word that has become outdated and is no longer commonly used.
#7
In linguistics, what is the term for a word that has opposite meanings depending on the context?
Contronym
ExplanationA word with contradictory meanings based on its context.
#8
What is the term for a word that sounds like what it means, such as 'buzz' or 'murmur'?
Onomatopoeia
ExplanationWords that imitate the sounds they represent.
#9
What is the term for a word that has the same meaning as another word?
Synonym
ExplanationA word with an equivalent or nearly identical meaning to another word.
#10
What is the phenomenon where a word takes on a new meaning unrelated to its original meaning?
Semantic shift
ExplanationThe transformation of a word's meaning over time, deviating from its original sense.
#11
What term is used to describe words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations?
Homographs
ExplanationWords sharing identical spellings but differing in meanings and pronunciations.
#12
Which linguistic term refers to the merging of sounds in connected speech?
Assimilation
ExplanationThe blending or merging of sounds in connected speech.
#13
What is the term for the deliberate use of an incorrect word to create a humorous effect?
Malapropism
ExplanationIntentionally using a wrong word for comedic effect.
#14
Which term refers to the omission of a word or words necessary for a complete grammatical structure?
Ellipsis
ExplanationThe exclusion of words necessary for grammatical completeness.