Word as the main lexicological unit. Word - the basic unit of the lexical system of a language. It is an associacion of particular sounds, meaning and grammatical features. It is the smallest language unit that can stand alone in a complete utterance. It is the two-side sign with the aspect of expression and content level.Lexeme - lexical word. Word-group - group of words which exist in the language as ready-made units. Levels of studying the words can be syntagmatic(sequence) or paradigmatic(substitution). Approaches to the study - synchronic or diachronic.
Branches of lexicology: morphology(word structure) semasiology(word meaning word formation(word building) stylistic(word usage) phraseology( functions of ready-made units) etymology(word origin) lexicography(word description) Synonyms in the English language. Synonym - word different in form, but identical or similar in meaning. Dominant synonym - central in meaning word in synonymic group.Its features are: high frequency of usage, broad combinability, lack of connotation.
Types of synonymy: Absolute(shut-close) Stylistic(dad-father) Ideographic(forest-wood) Ideographic-stylistic(ask-inquire) Types of connotations: Degree (to like-to worship) Duration (to stare-to glance) Emotive (alone-solitary) Evaluative (lady-killer) Causative (glitter) Manner(trot) stylistic(snack).