In the course of the semester, we have dealt with a number of linguistic problems and their relationship to lexicography. Since one main aim of dictionaries is to define words or, in other terms, to explain the meanings of lexical units, lexicography is very closely linked to the linguistic branch of semantics. On the one hand, dictionaries describe the semantic relation holding between words and the extra-linguistic world. This relationship is called reference or denotation. On the other hand,dictionaries deal with the semantic relations between the words of a particular language themselves. These relations are called lexical relations or sense relations. Both denotation and sense relations contribute to defining the meaning of a lexeme. The lexical relation which is probably the most important one with regard to lexicography is synonymy. On the following pages, I will therefore define the term synonymy, discriminate different types of synonymy and discuss some ways in which synonyms may be differentiated. Afterwards, I will try to show which role synonymy plays in general dictionaries. After discussing different types of specialized synonym dictionaries, I will finish with a brief survey of the history of synonym dictionaries.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Main Part
- Synonymy
- Definition
- Types of Synonymy
- Distinctions among loose synonyms
- Synonymy in Dictionaries
- Synonymy as a Defining Style
- Synonymy in General Dictionaries
- Synonym Dictionaries and Thesauruses
- Types of Synonym Dictionaries
- Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms
- Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases
- Rodale's Synonym Finder
- History of Synonym Dictionaries
- Synonymy
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to define synonymy, explore its various types, and analyze its role in lexicography, particularly within dictionaries and thesauruses. It examines the concept of synonymy from a linguistic perspective, considering different viewpoints on meaning and its implications for defining synonymous relationships.
- Definition and types of synonymy
- The role of synonymy in dictionaries
- Different types of synonym dictionaries and thesauruses
- The relationship between synonymy and semantics
- A brief history of synonym dictionaries
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the discussion of synonymy and its relevance to lexicography. It establishes the close connection between lexicography and semantics, highlighting that dictionaries not only describe the relationship between words and the world (denotation/reference) but also the relationships between words themselves (lexical relations, specifically synonymy). The chapter outlines the paper's structure, promising to define synonymy, differentiate its types, explore its presence in general dictionaries, analyze specialized synonym dictionaries, and conclude with a historical overview of synonym dictionaries.
2.1 Synonymy: This chapter delves into the complexities of defining synonymy. While generally understood as "sameness of meaning," the chapter reveals significant disagreements among linguists regarding the precise degree of meaning similarity required for synonymy. It differentiates between strict synonymy (nearly impossible to find) and loose synonymy (much more common). The discussion also grapples with the multifaceted nature of "meaning," including denotation (descriptive meaning) and connotation (emotive or evaluative meaning), noting differing opinions on the separability of these aspects. The chapter illustrates these issues with examples like the synonym pairs "politician/statesman" and "hide/conceal," which demonstrates how even words with similar denotations can carry distinct connotations.
2.1.2 Types of Synonymy: Building on the previous section, this part elaborates on the types of synonymy. It emphasizes the near impossibility of strict or absolute synonymy, arguing that even if two words share the same denotation, contextual differences, stylistic nuances (formality, currency), and other factors would prevent complete interchangeability. The chapter then focuses on loose synonymy (relative, quasi-, pseudo-, or near-synonymy), which refers to words with largely similar denotations but with contextual restrictions on their interchangeability. Examples such as "freedom/liberty," "malodorous/stinking," and "begin/start" are provided to illustrate this type of synonymy. The discussion also touches on the reasons why strict synonymy is rare, referencing linguistic economy and the tendency of synonyms to diverge in meaning or usage over time.
Keywords
Synonymy, semantics, lexicography, dictionaries, thesauruses, meaning, denotation, connotation, strict synonymy, loose synonymy, lexical relations, Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms, Roget's Thesaurus.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Synonymy in Lexicography
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of synonymy, its various types, and its significant role within lexicography, particularly in the context of dictionaries and thesauruses. It explores the complexities of defining synonymy, analyzing different perspectives on meaning and its impact on synonymous relationships.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
The key themes include the definition and types of synonymy (including strict and loose synonymy), the function of synonymy in dictionaries and thesauruses, the relationship between synonymy and semantics (meaning, denotation, connotation), and a brief historical overview of synonym dictionaries.
What types of synonymy are discussed?
The text differentiates between strict synonymy (where words have almost identical meanings and are completely interchangeable) and loose synonymy (where words share similar meanings but are not always interchangeable due to contextual factors, stylistic nuances, or connotations). The text argues that strict synonymy is extremely rare, while loose synonymy is much more common.
How does this text define synonymy?
While acknowledging the common understanding of synonymy as "sameness of meaning," the text highlights the complexities and disagreements among linguists regarding the precise degree of meaning similarity required for true synonymy. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of meaning, encompassing both denotation (descriptive meaning) and connotation (emotive or evaluative meaning).
What role does synonymy play in dictionaries and thesauruses?
The text analyzes the representation of synonymy in both general and specialized dictionaries and thesauruses. It examines how lexicographers handle synonymous relationships, considering different approaches to defining and presenting synonyms. Specific examples of synonym dictionaries like Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms and Roget's Thesaurus are discussed.
What are some examples of synonym dictionaries and thesauruses mentioned?
The text mentions and briefly describes several notable synonym dictionaries and thesauruses, including Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms and Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, along with Rodale's Synonym Finder. The discussion also includes a historical overview of the development of such resources.
What is the significance of the distinction between denotation and connotation in understanding synonymy?
The text emphasizes that even words with similar denotations (descriptive meanings) can differ significantly in their connotations (emotive or evaluative meanings). This difference in connotation can significantly affect the interchangeability of words, even if their denotations are largely the same. Examples such as "politician/statesman" illustrate this point.
What is the historical context of synonym dictionaries provided in this text?
While a detailed historical account isn't the central focus, the text includes a brief overview of the history of synonym dictionaries, placing the development of these resources within a broader lexicographical context.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries highlight the core arguments of each section, reinforcing the importance of understanding the nuances of synonymy, the complexities of defining and categorizing synonyms, and the vital role of dictionaries and thesauruses in capturing and conveying these intricacies of language.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include Synonymy, semantics, lexicography, dictionaries, thesauruses, meaning, denotation, connotation, strict synonymy, loose synonymy, lexical relations, Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms, and Roget's Thesaurus.
- Quote paper
- Michael Brendel (Author), 2008, Synonymy, synonym dictionaries and thesauruses, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/113096
