Chapter 7 Changes in Word Meaning 1．Types of changes1)Extension The extension of meaning, the opposite of restriction, means the widening of a word's sense until it covers much more than what it originally conveyed.2)Narrowing Narrowing of meaning, also called restriction of meaning, means that a word of wide meaning acquires a narrower, specialised sense which is applicable to only one of the objects it previously denoted.3)Elevation When the meaning of a word narrows toward a more favourable meaning it is called elevation4)Degradation Degradation means the falling of word meaning into disrepute, for one reason or another. Words once respectable or neutral may shift to a less respectable, or even derogatory meaning.2. Causes of changes 1)Extra-linguistic factors (1)historical reason (2)class reason
(3)psychological reason 2)Linguistic factors (1)shortening (2)borrowing (3)analogy
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