Terminology linked to lexis and semantics

Anthropomorphism Attributing human characteristics to animals e.g. ‘the beetles played in the sand’. See personification.

Antithesis The technique of placing two words or ideas in opposition to bring out a contrast: ‘Leeds was working class; Watermouth was bourgeois’. ‘Too black for heaven, too white for hell’.

Archaic lexis The use of a word, phrase or style which is no longer in popular use: ‘hereby, thereto’ Can reflect the age of the text or as in legal language show it is rooted in history and tradition. Adds formality.

Cliché An idea or expression that has become tired from overuse - its freshness and clarity having worn off, e.g. ‘what goes around comes around’. Clichés often anesthetize readers. Like spelling or grammatical errors, clichés may impede the flow of information. When a reader comes upon a phrase recognisable as a cliché, they may be distracted from the larger meaning of what they read. The interruption may be brief, but it weakens the force of the text.

Connotation The associations attached to a word, phrase or an image. For example the use of red in a text could conjure up connotations of love or heat, or perhaps danger or blood depending on its context. Used to make a point in a subtle way and build up a particular viewpoint.

Euphemism A word that replaces a word or term that can be considered unpleasant, could offend, or is taboo.  For example, to say someone has passed away rather than they died.  Euphemisms can disguise the reality of what is being described and make it more palatable.

Figurative Language Any language use that is non-literal. See similes and metaphors.

Hyperbole A figure of speech in which deliberate exaggeration is used for emphasis.  For example: Tons of money, waiting for ages, floods of tears. Hyperbole can often be adopted to create a comical or less than serious tone.

Metaphor A comparison that describes a person, object or situation as if it were actually something else. For example: ‘A sea of troubles’. Used to give additional information to the reader to create a particular effect or to emphasise a point. Metaphor can be a powerful way of reinforcing a point, or making something memorable. Explain what is being conveyed by the comparison: how is the writer’s perception of the thing being described made sharper, clearer or more powerful by comparing it to something else?  Metaphors that are developed at great length and occur frequently in the text are called extended metaphors.

Oxymoron Two apparently contradictory words placed together to create a special effect e.g. ‘bitter sweet’, ‘act naturally’, ‘living dead’ ‘cruel kindness’. Used to make each term stand out and to highlight a particular contrast.

Pathetic Fallacy When the surroundings (i.e. the weather) reflect the mood of the character. Used to create mood in the writing.

Personification Making an object sound like a person, giving it human qualities, e.g. ‘The sky is crying’. Used to enable the reader to identify with what is being personified and helps to create a specific image (see metaphor) Gives the object character . 

Pun (Also referred to as play on words): words used in an amusing way to suggest other meanings, e.g. ‘thief is court out’ Used to entertain, amuse and imply another meaning.

Semantic Field (Lexical field and Lexical Set) A group of words with associated meanings and uses e.g. a semantic field of computers would include: monitor, keyboard, disk, cursor, modem, software etc. They capture the characteristics you want to convey.

Simile A comparison that includes the words ‘like’ or ‘as’: ‘The explosion was as bright as the sun.’  ‘The ants ran through the garden like astream.’ Used to give additional information to the reader to create a particular effect or to emphasise a point. Explain what is being conveyed by the comparison: how is the writer’s perception of the thing being described made sharper, clearer or more powerful by comparing it to something else? 

Symbols / Symbolism A literary style in which the writer tries to create impressions rather than to describe things directly. Symbolism is the use of an object to represent or stand for something else – scales, for instance, symbolise justice. Symbols can be used to evoke a strong reader reaction or to represent a quality e.g. a fox is sly, a rose is romantic.

Synonyms Words with similar meanings, e.g. vomit, sick, hurl, blow-chunks.Perhaps used to vary language use and avoid repetition and monotony.

Taboo Language Words that are avoided because they are considered offensive, embarrassing, obscene or unpleasant. The use of taboo language in texts might be to challenge society’s norms and conventions, express defiance or rebellion, provide emotional outlet: to give vent to strong feelings of rage and frustration or to express solidarity with a social group.