词汇学练习题目

with loan-words in number, but they have a more important role in the language. Native words form the mainstream of the basic word stock whereas only a limited number of borrowed words belong to the common core.

2. How do you understand semantic motivation? 答案：（P85）Semantic motivation refers to the mental associations suggested by the conceptual meaning of a word. It explains the connection between the literal sense and figurative sense of the word.

3. What are the linguistic factors of meaning changes? 答案：（P144～145）The influx of borrowings has caused some words to change in meaning. In addition,the competition of native words eventually resulted in the semantic division.Finally,the change of meaning is brought about by analogy.

4. How do you understand“the structure of an idiom is to a large extent unchangeable”? 答案：（P163～165）First,the constituents of idioms cannot be replaced.Secondly,the word order cannot be inverted or changed.Thirdly,the constituents of an idiom cannot be deleted or added to,not even an article.Finally,many idioms are grammatically unanalysable.

1. Analyze and comment on the meanings of the following sentences and then find out the right antonyms for each “dull” respectively. ［A］The story in this book is dull.

［B］He became dull and silent when the class began. ［C］I’m tired of such dull weather! 答案：（P95～98）In sentence A,the word “dull” means “boring”.The sentence suggests that the story is not interesting.Its antonym is “interesting”.

In sentence B,the word “dull” means “inactive”.The sentence suggests that “he lacked enthusiasm and became silent”.Its antonym is “lively”.

In sentence C,the word “dull” means “overcast”.The sentence thus means the speaker dislikes the cloudy weather.Its antonym is “sunny”.

2. The “pen” is mightier than the “sword”.

Explain what “pen” and “sword”mean respectively using the theory of motivation. 答案：(P83～85)

(1)Motivation accounts for the connection between the linguistic symbol and its meaning.

(2)Semantic motivation,one of the four major types of motivation,explains the connection between the literal sense and figurative sense of a word.In this

sentence,“pen” reminds one of the tool to write with,thus suggesting writing;“sword” reminds one of the weapon to fight with,thus suggesting war.

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