对于meaning的理解论文篇一：英语词汇学论文Meaning_changes_in_English On the Change in Word Meaning 1.Introduction With the flying development of human society, languages as tools for people to express and communicate their ideas changes constantly and frequently. While vocabulary is the most unstable element of language as it is undergoing constant changes both in content and form. Of course, some meanings remain much the same for a long time because the referents to which they direct us do not change. Frequently, an old form or words are pressed into new service when a new linguistic need is felt. When a word loses its old meaning and comes to refer to something different, the result is a change in word meaning. Change of meaning refers to the alternation of the meaning of existing words, as well as the addition of new meaning to a particular word. 2. Types of meaning changes 2.1 Extension of Meaning It is a process by which a word which originally had a specialized meaning has now become generalized or has extended to cover a broader and often less definite concept. For example, ?lady” originally means hostess(women of house) while its present meaning is any women in polite way. Such as saleslady、cleaning lady、ladies?room. Salary was (Original) a sum of money given to Roman soldiers to enable them to buy salt; and is (present) fixed payment made by employer at regular intervals to employees. Extension of Meaning is not only used in none but also included verb、adjective and so on. For example, “carry” originally means “transport by cart”(a verb).but now it is just means “tansport”.the adjective “bullish” original from bull market(causing or associated with a rise in prise), and now the word?s meaning extended to “optimistic”. 2.2 Narrowing of Meaning It is a process by which a word of wide meaning acquires a narrow or specialized sense. In other words, a word which used to have a more general sense becomes restricted in its application and conveys a special concept in present-day English. Thefollowing chart provides us definite demonstration.In a word, both extension and narrowing of meaning are talking about the changes in conceptual meaning. Next we will talk about the changes in associative meaning. 2.3 Elevation of Meaning Elevation is the process by which words rise from humble beginnings to positions of importance. Elevation of meaning is one of the tendencies of meaning change,which changes the meaning of a linguistics from low to high. Some words early in their history signify something quite low or humble, but change as time goes by to designate something agreeable or pleasant. For example, the word ?inn” originally means “auberge” especially those poor equipment houses in rural area or roadside. While its present meaning is “holiday inn”. Obviously, the meaning of “inn” is elevation. minister originally means “a servant of master” to presently head of a department in a nation”. 2.4 Degradation of Meaning It is a process whereby words of good origin or affective neutrality fall into ill reputation or come to be used in a derogatory sense. For instance, the word silly meant happy and fortunate in old English period. In middle English period it meant “innocent and harmless” which expressed a man with under development intelligence. However, now the meaning of the word degenerated to foolish and imbecile. There are still some other examples: Sad: full, satisfied, contented - calm - serious -sorrowful Cunning: knowing, skillful- sly, crafty Wench: girl, young women -dissolute women, prostitute3. Conclusion: Taking into account what has been discussed above, a conclusion can be drawn that the words meaning in English is incessantly developing and changing. The changes are gradual, It is important for the language learners to be acquainted with the changing principles and update their vocabulary, when students study a language, they can?t just learn its grammar or vocabulary, students should know something more, like how did this come, how would this changed. The more we asked the more we got. Hold this attitude can make us be more professional on our major subject.篇二：Meaning Changes in English 论文 Meaning Changes in English Abstract: As other languages in the world, English changes as times goes by. English formed and developed over many centuries into the form today. Studying the changing principles of words of English would help us acquire further awareness of English lexicon and do good to our language acquirement. Key words: Meaning changes, Causes, Types 1. Introduction Vocabulary is the most unstable element of language as it is undergoing constant changes both in content and form. Of course, some meanings remain much the same for a long time because the referents to which they direct us do not change. Frequently, an old form or words are pressed into new