the study of the rules and different methods of using language in a way that is effective
(grammar) a letter or a set of letters that are added to the end of a word to alter its meaning and make a new word
A suffix is a type of affix that is added to the end of a base word or root to modify its meaning or grammatical function. Suffixes can change the part of speech, tense, or number of a word. For example, adding the suffix "-ing" to the verb "run" forms "running,", indicating an ongoing action. Similarly, adding the suffix "-ful" to the noun "beauty" creates the adjective "beautiful", which describes something that has beauty. Suffixes play an important role in word formation and help expand vocabulary in many languages.
(grammar) a letter or a set of letters that are added to the beginning of a word to alter its meaning and make a new word
A prefix is a type of affix that is added to the beginning of a base word or root to modify its meaning. Prefixes can change the meaning of the word in various ways, such as indicating negation, repetition, or degree. For example, the prefix "un-" can be added to the word "happy" to form "unhappy", which means not happy. Other examples include "redo", where the prefix "re-" indicates doing something again, and "preview", where "pre-" means before. Prefixes are important in word formation, allowing for the creation of new words and the expansion of vocabulary in many languages.
each of two or more words with the same spelling or pronunciation that vary in meaning and origin
words, phrases, and expressions used by a specific group or profession, which are incomprehensible to others
Jargon refers to specialized words or expressions used by a particular profession, group, or field that may be difficult for outsiders to understand. It serves to facilitate communication among those within the same field by using precise terminology, but it can create barriers for those not familiar with the language. For example, in medicine, terms like "hypertension" and "myocardial infarction" are common jargon that might confuse someone without a medical background. While jargon can enhance clarity among experts, it may also lead to misunderstandings if used inappropriately with a general audience.
a word or phrase that is not formal or literary and is used in everyday conversations
Colloquialism refers to informal language or expressions that are used in everyday conversation rather than in formal speech or writing. These terms or phrases can vary by region or community and often reflect the local culture and social norms. For example, saying "gonna" instead of "going to," or using the word "y'all" to refer to a group of people are examples of colloquialisms. Colloquial language helps create a casual tone and can make communication feel more relatable and approachable.
a person who can speak or understand multiple languages
an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of a group of words, which can be pronounced as a word
An acronym is a type of abbreviation formed by taking the initial letters of a series of words and combining them into a new word that is pronounced as a single term. For example, "NASA" stands for "National Aeronautics and Space Administration", and "SCUBA" stands for "Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus". Acronyms are often used for convenience, making long names or phrases easier to say and remember. They are common in technical, governmental, and organizational contexts, helping to streamline communication by simplifying complex terms.
the shortened form of a word, etc.
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase, created by using only a few of its letters or syllables to make it quicker to write or say. Common examples include "Dr." for "Doctor" or "etc." for "et cetera". Some abbreviations are formed by taking the initial letters of a series of words, such as "NASA" for "National Aeronautics and Space Administration". Abbreviations are widely used in everyday language, writing, and specialized fields to save time or space while still conveying the full meaning of the original term.
a person who can speak and understand two different languages with ease and fluency
Bilingual refers to an individual who can use and understand two languages fluently. Bilingualism can occur in various ways, such as learning both languages from an early age, known as simultaneous bilingualism, or acquiring one language after the other, called sequential bilingualism. Bilingual individuals often navigate between languages depending on the context, such as speaking one language at home and another at school or work. Being bilingual offers cognitive benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills and enhanced memory, as well as social advantages, including better communication in diverse environments and a deeper understanding of different cultures.
a person who speaks or is fluent in only one language
Monolingual refers to an individual who speaks only one language fluently. Monolingual individuals may have a limited understanding of other languages, but their primary language is the only one they use for communication in daily life. This status is common in many countries where a dominant language is spoken. Being monolingual can affect one's exposure to different cultures and perspectives, as knowledge of multiple languages often enhances cultural understanding and cognitive flexibility. While monolingual individuals may excel in their primary language, they may miss out on the benefits associated with bilingualism or multilingualism, such as improved cognitive skills and greater communication abilities.
a person who speaks multiple languages
a word or expression that is used instead of a harsh or insulting one in order to be more tactful and polite
A euphemism is a word or phrase used to replace a term that may be considered harsh, unpleasant, or offensive. It aims to soften the impact of the original term and make it more acceptable in conversation. For example, instead of saying "die," one might say "pass away." Euphemisms are often used in sensitive topics such as death, bodily functions, or discomforting situations. While they can help to convey a message in a gentler way, they may also obscure the truth or make communication less direct.
the use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of the words in a verse or sentence, used as a literary device
Alliteration is a literary device where the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of stressed syllables in closely positioned words. It often creates rhythm, emphasis, or a musical effect in writing. For example, in the phrase "whispering winds wove through the willows," the repeated "w" sound mimics the quiet, calming effect of a gentle breeze moving through trees, enhancing the overall atmosphere of tranquility in the scene. This technique is used to enhance the texture of language, making phrases more engaging and memorable.
the ability to deliver a clear and strong message
(grammar) a word coming before a noun or noun phrase to specify its denotation
A determiner is a word that introduces a noun and provides information about specificity, quantity, or possession. Determiners help to clarify which noun is being referred to in a sentence. Common examples include articles like "a," "an," and "the," which indicate whether a noun is general or specific. Other types of determiners include possessive words like "my" and "their," which show ownership, and quantifiers like "some," "many," or "few," which indicate quantity. For example, in the phrase "the dog," "the" is the determiner that specifies which dog is being discussed. In English, determiners always appear before the noun, and their use may differ in other languages, where they might have different forms or rules for agreement with the noun they modify.
a system used to communicate with deaf people that involves using hands and body gestures instead of words
Sign language is a visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning instead of spoken words. It is primarily used by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate with one another and with those who understand sign language. Each sign language has its own unique vocabulary and grammar rules, which can vary between different countries and regions. For example, American Sign Language and British Sign Language are distinct languages with different signs and structures. Sign language allows for rich expression and effective communication, providing a vital means of interaction for the deaf community.
Informações Gramaticais:
Parabéns! !
Aprendeu 17 palavras de Talking about Language. Para melhorar a aprendizagem e revisão de vocabulário, comece a praticar!
Revisar
Flashcards
Ortografia
Quiz