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What is a Lexical Definition?
Grade Level:
Class 7
NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication
Definition
What is it?
A lexical definition explains the meaning of a word as it is commonly used in a language. It tells us what a word usually means to most people, just like you would find in a dictionary. This definition focuses on how a word is understood and used every day.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine your friend asks, 'What is a 'chaiwala'?' A lexical definition would explain it as 'a person who makes and sells tea (chai), often at a small stall.' This is the common, everyday understanding of the word.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's find the lexical definition of the word 'auto-rickshaw'.
1. Think about what an auto-rickshaw is in India: It's a three-wheeled vehicle used for public transport.
---2. Consider its main purpose: To carry passengers for short distances.
---3. Note its common features: It has a driver, usually an open back, and runs on petrol/CNG.
---4. Combine these ideas into a clear, simple sentence that describes its general meaning.
---ANSWER: An auto-rickshaw is a three-wheeled motor vehicle used as a taxi for short journeys in many Asian countries, especially India.
Why It Matters
Understanding lexical definitions is crucial for clear communication in every field. Lawyers use them to interpret laws, journalists use them to write accurate news, and social scientists rely on them for precise research. This skill can help you become a better writer, speaker, and critical thinker in any career, from a content creator to a government officer.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Confusing a lexical definition with a personal opinion or feeling about a word. | CORRECTION: A lexical definition is objective and based on common usage, not individual feelings. It's about what the word generally means, not what it means to 'me'.
MISTAKE: Giving a very technical or scientific definition when a common one is needed. | CORRECTION: While some words have technical meanings, a lexical definition focuses on the everyday, generally understood meaning, as found in a standard dictionary.
MISTAKE: Providing only synonyms instead of a full explanation. | CORRECTION: While synonyms can be part of a definition, a lexical definition explains the concept behind the word, offering context and usage, not just another word.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: What is the lexical definition of 'festival'? | ANSWER: A day or period of celebration, typically religious, cultural, or national.
QUESTION: Explain the lexical definition of 'digital payment'. | ANSWER: The transfer of money from one account to another using electronic methods, without needing physical cash.
QUESTION: Imagine you are explaining the word 'jugaad' to someone who doesn't know Hindi. Provide its lexical definition, focusing on its common usage in India. | ANSWER: 'Jugaad' refers to an innovative, makeshift solution or improvisation, often using limited resources in a clever way to solve a problem.
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of the following best describes a lexical definition?
A definition based on your personal feelings about a word.
The technical, scientific meaning of a word.
The common, dictionary-based meaning of a word.
A definition that only uses synonyms.
The Correct Answer Is:
C
A lexical definition explains a word's meaning as it is commonly understood and found in a dictionary, not based on personal feelings, technical terms, or just synonyms.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
When you use a translation app like Google Translate or dictionary apps on your phone, they provide lexical definitions. For instance, if you type an English word like 'curry', the app gives you its common meaning and usage, helping you understand Indian cuisine terms or translate them correctly for someone from another country.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
LEXICAL: relating to the words or vocabulary of a language | DICTIONARY: a book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language and gives their meaning | COMMON USAGE: how a word is generally used and understood by most people | OBJECTIVE: not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Great job learning about lexical definitions! Next, you should explore 'Stipulative Definitions' and 'Precising Definitions'. These concepts build on what you've learned by showing how definitions can be created for specific purposes or made more exact, which is super useful in different fields!
