An Assessment of the Influence of Syntagm and Context on Lexical Semantics

Abstract

The Aim Of This Paper Is To Show That Words Only Have Meaning In Context. Dictionary Definitions Can Be Misleading Because In A Dictionary Words Are Listed In Isolation. However, To Contribute Meaning, Words Need To Be Used In Sentences Where They Contract Syntagmatic Relations With Other Words. Further, The Context In Which A Word Is Used Can Change Its Meaning. Different Contexts Can Activate Different Word Meanings. The Verb „Consider‟, For Example, Has Taken Ten Different Meanings In The Examples Provided Below. As A Result, Word Meaning Is In The Field.