Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Lexical Form

Definition: 

A lexical form is an abstract unit representing a set of wordforms differing only in inflection and not in core meaning.

It is a component part of a lexical unit.

Examples: 

(English)

  • The lexeme, brooch n. 'a large ornamental pin with a clasp, worn by women' has a single lexical unit with a single lexical form representing the two wordforms, brooch andbrooches.
  • The primary sense of the lexeme ignite vt. 'to set fire to' is a single lexical unit with a single lexical form representing several wordforms such as, ignite, ignited, ignites andigniting.

Glossary Hierarchy