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Lexical Sophistication

Connotation · register-shifting synonyms · precision of word choice

Words 1–4

Connotation
the emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning
Denotation
the literal, dictionary meaning of a word, without emotional associations
Amelioration
a process by which a word gains a more positive meaning over time
Pejoration
a process by which a word gains a more negative meaning over time
Examples
Connotation: "house" is neutral; "home" has warm connotations.
The denotation of "snake" is a reptile; its connotation may be treachery.

Words 5–8

Hyperbole
deliberate exaggeration for rhetorical or emphatic effect
Litotes
understatement using a negative to affirm a positive, often for emphasis or irony
Euphemism
a mild or indirect word used in place of one that might seem harsh or offensive
Dysphemism
a harsh or deliberately offensive word used in place of a neutral or positive one
Examples
Hyperbole: "I’ve told you a million times."
Litotes: "not bad" meaning "very good" / "not unlike" meaning "similar"

Words 9–12

Synecdoche
a figure of speech where a part represents the whole, or vice versa
Metonymy
using a closely associated concept to refer to something else
Register shift
changing the formality level of language to suit the audience or context
Semantic field
a group of words all related to the same topic or concept
Examples
Synecdoche: "All hands on deck" — hands = sailors
Metonymy: "The Crown" for the monarchy / "The press" for journalism
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