《英语词汇学》（英文版）Chapter 12 extension of meaning

Unit 12 Extension of Meaning

1 Unit 12 Extension of Meaning

a EXtension of meaning b Restriction of meaning C Degeneration of meaning d. Elevation of meaning

2 a.Extension of meaning b.Restriction of meaning c.Degeneration of meaning d.Elevation of meaning

Extension of meaning It is also called widening of meaning or generalization. It's a process by which a word which originally had a specialIzed meaning has now become generalized

Extension of Meaning It is also called widening of meaning or generalization. It’s a process by which a word which originally had a specialized meaning has now become generalized

Four kinds of extension A. From specific to general B. From proper nouns to common nouns C From concrete to abstract D From technical terms to general words

Four kinds of extension A. From specific to general B. From proper nouns to common nouns C.From concrete to abstract D.From technical terms to general words

A. From specific to general Example Picture: originally: a painting or drawing

A. From specific to general Example Picture: originally: a painting or drawing

The present meaning a photograph a cinematic picture an X-ray picture a TV picture a radio-telescope picture any picture

The present meaning a photograph a cinematic picture an x-ray picture a TV picture a radio-telescope picture any picture

More examples rubbish Originall Now rubble anything (碎石) worthless

More Examples rubbish Originally: rubble (碎石） Now: anything worthless

B From proper nouns to common nouns antonomasia the use of a proper noun to convey a general idea

B. From proper nouns to common nouns antonomasia the use of a proper noun to convey a general idea

Example Sandwich: It now denotes a popular fast food. It originates from John Montague, Fourth earl of Sandwich in 18th-century England. He was so fond of gambling that he often forgot his meals He often ordered slices of bread with thick pieces of roast beef stuffed between them be brought to used his name to refer to all similar to people him so he could eat while playing. Later

Sandwich: It now denotes a popular fast food. It originates from John Montague, Fourth earl of Sandwich in 18th -century England. He was so fond of gambling that he often forgot his meals. He often ordered slices of bread with thick pieces of roast beef stuffed between them be brought to him so he could eat while playing. Later, people used his name to refer to all similar food

Tantalize Tantalus Greek Myth: a king punished for his misdeeds by having to stand in water that recedes when he tries to drink it and under fruit that moves away as he reaches for it

Greek Myth: a king punished for his misdeeds by having to stand in water that recedes when he tries to drink it and under fruit that moves away as he reaches for it. Tantalus Tantalize