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