Lesson 3: Word Networks
Semantic Fields & Lexical Relationships
At an advanced level, your vocabulary should not be a long, disorganized list. Instead, think of it as a richly connected network, like a spider's web. This lesson introduces a way of organizing vocabulary by topic, known as a Semantic Field. We will also explore the specific lexical relationships that connect words within that field, giving your language more structure and precision.
Key Vocabulary
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Semantic Field
A group of words that are related by their meaning or are connected to the same topic.
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Lexical
Relating to the words or vocabulary of a language.
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Hyponymy
The relationship between a general word (hypernym) and a more specific word (hyponym) that is a type of the general word.
1. The Semantic Field: Vocabulary for a Topic
A semantic field is a group of words related to one central concept. Learning words in these groups prepares you to discuss a topic in detail.
Example Semantic Field: "The Law"
- People: judge, lawyer, defendant, plaintiff, jury, witness
- Verbs: to accuse, to prosecute, to defend, to testify, to appeal, to sentence
- Nouns (Concepts): justice, evidence, testimony, verdict, trial, appeal
- Adjectives: guilty, innocent, impartial, unanimous
2. Hyponymy: The 'Type-of' Relationship
Hyponymy describes the relationship between a general term (a hypernym) and a more specific term (a hyponym). This relationship helps us to be more precise.
- Hypernym (General): Vehicle
- Hyponyms (Specific): car, bus, moto, tuk-tuk, train
- Hypernym (General): Crime
- Hyponyms (Specific): theft, fraud, arson, smuggling
Precision in action: Instead of saying "He committed a crime," a C1 speaker might say, "He was arrested for fraud."
3. Meronymy: The 'Part-of' Relationship
Meronymy describes the relationship between a whole object (a holonym) and its constituent parts (its meronyms).
- Holonym (Whole): a computer
- Meronyms (Parts): screen, keyboard, mouse, CPU, motherboard
- Holonym (Whole - Abstract): a university
- Meronyms (Parts): faculty, students, library, curriculum, campus
Discourse in Action: Analyzing a Text
Let's analyze this short text about urban development using our new framework.
"The city's plan for urban development addresses several forms of public transportation. The plan includes expanding the bus network and building a new light-rail train. Each train, a complex vehicle, consists of multiple carriages, wheels, and an engine. This new infrastructure is a key part of the city's future."
- Semantic Field: Urban Development / Transportation
- Hyponymy: The hypernym is `transportation`. The hyponyms (specific types) are `bus` and `train`.
- Meronymy: The holonym is `train`. Its meronyms (parts) are `carriages`, `wheels`, and `engine`.
Check Your Understanding
- 'Apple', 'banana', and 'mango' are all hyponyms of what hypernym?
- a) Food
- b) Fruit
- c) Plant
Answer: b) Fruit ('Food' is also a hypernym, but 'Fruit' is more specific and therefore better).
- Which of the following is a MERONYM of the holonym 'a book'?
- a) novel
- b) chapter
- c) library
Answer: b) chapter (A chapter is a part of a book. A novel is a type of book - a hyponym).
- The words 'boil', 'fry', 'bake', and 'grill' all belong to the semantic field of...
- a) Cooking
- b) Science
- c) Tools
Answer: a) Cooking
Your Mission
- Build a Semantic Field: Choose a topic related to your work or hobbies (e.g., 'Marketing', 'Photography', 'Farming'). In your notebook, brainstorm and list at least 5-7 English words that belong to this field.
- Hyponym Hierarchy: The word 'tool' is a hypernym. Write down three hyponyms for it (specific types of tools).
- Part of a Whole: The word 'Kampot' is a holonym. Write down three meronyms for it (places or things that are parts of Kampot).