What does lexicalization mean?
Lexicalization is the process through which a group of words becomes established as a single vocabulary item. The resulting expression may have a conventional meaning, grammatical behavior, or social function that its individual words do not possess by themselves. For example, “kick the bucket” functions as a lexical unit whose meaning is not predictable from the literal words “kick,” “the,” and “bucket.” The term can also describe a word or expression becoming established in a language’s vocabulary more generally, as happened when “email” developed from “electronic mail.” Lexicalization is often gradual: an expression begins as a recognizable combination, becomes familiar through repeated use, and may eventually be treated by speakers as an ordinary word. In historical linguistics, the process helps explain how new political, social, and cultural concepts acquire stable linguistic forms.
nounThe process by which a group of words or a recurring phrase becomes established as a single lexical unit, often with a meaning or function distinct from the meanings of its individual components. In a broader sense, it is the process of admitting a word or expression into a vocabulary.
- The linguistic process by which a sequence of words becomes a single recognized unit, often acquiring a conventional meaning that cannot be inferred from its parts.
- The broader process by which a word or expression becomes established in a community's vocabulary.
- The process of fixing or standardizing a word's lexical status or usage, especially in the historical development of a language.
"The gradual lexicalization of the expression “social media” has made it a standard term in everyday use."
"The lexicalization of “email” from “electronic mail” illustrates how familiar expressions can become ordinary vocabulary."
"Historians traced the lexicalization of the title “the President” as the American government developed a distinct political identity."
Used mainly for distinct examples of the process or for the results of lexical development in different languages or communities.
"The lexicalizations of “email” and “website” reflect the growing importance of electronic communication."
A phrase can become a word without a formal announcement: repeated use can gradually turn an expression into an unbreakable lexical unit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lexicalization
The word was formed within English by combining lexical with the suffix -ization. Lexical comes from Greek lexikos, meaning “of words” or “pertaining to words,” ultimately from lexis, “word” or “speech.” The same Greek family also produced English words such as lexicon, lexeme, and lexicographer.
Related word forms
How lexicalization is actually used
The term is primarily used in linguistics, language history, and related fields. British and American English generally use the spelling with “-ization,” although “lexicalisation” is also understood in British usage.