Chapter 7
Changes in Word Meaning
1．Types of changes
1）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 elevation
4）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
Changes in Word Meaning
1．Types of changes
1）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 elevation
4）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