Introduction to Lexis and Semantics

Welcome to one of the most important "levels" in your English Language toolkit! When we look at a text, the first thing we usually notice are the words themselves. In linguistics, we call the study of words lexis, and the study of what those words mean (and the feelings they evoke) semantics.

Think of lexis as the individual bricks used to build a wall, and semantics as the message or "vibe" that the wall creates. Whether you are analyzing a speech by a world leader or a casual WhatsApp message between friends, understanding why specific words were chosen is key to scoring high marks in your AS Level exams.

1. Lexis: The Vocabulary Level

Lexis simply means the total vocabulary of a language. When you analyze a text, you are looking for patterns in the types of words the writer or speaker has chosen.

Word Classes (The Basics)

Don't worry if you find grammar tricky; for now, we are just looking at the "labels" for different types of words. You should be able to identify:

  • Nouns: Naming words (e.g., table, happiness, London).
  • Verbs: Action or state words (e.g., run, believe, is).
  • Adjectives: Describing words for nouns (e.g., vibrant, cold).
  • Adverbs: Describing words for verbs or adjectives (e.g., quickly, very).

Register and Formality

The "register" is the level of formality in a text. This is often decided by the lexis:

  • High-frequency lexis: Common, everyday words (e.g., bad, help, get). These usually suggest an informal or accessible tone.
  • Low-frequency lexis: Rarer, more complex words (e.g., detrimental, assist, procure). These usually suggest a formal, academic, or professional tone.
  • Slang and Colloquialisms: Very informal words used in specific social groups (e.g., bestie, ghosted).
Did you know?

Using low-frequency lexis can be a way to "claim power and status" (a key theme in Unit 2). If a doctor uses complex medical terms, it reinforces their status as an expert.


2. Semantics: The Meaning Level

Semantics looks at the layers of meaning behind the words. A word isn't just a label; it carries "baggage" and associations.

Denotation vs. Connotation

This is a vital distinction for your analysis:

  • Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word. For example, the denotation of "red" is a primary color.
  • Connotation: The associations or emotions a word carries. "Red" might have connotations of danger, love, anger, or stop depending on the context.

Semantic Fields

A semantic field is a group of words that all relate to the same topic or concept. For example, if you see the words scalpel, anaesthetic, ward, and incision, they all belong to the semantic field of medicine.

Why does this matter? Identifying a semantic field helps you prove the purpose or subject of a text. In Unit 1, if a blog about travel uses words like adventure, explore, and journey, it creates a semantic field of discovery to engage the audience.

Synonyms and Antonyms

  • Synonyms: Words with similar meanings (e.g., large and huge). Writers use these to avoid repetition.
  • Antonyms: Words with opposite meanings (e.g., hot and cold). These are often used to create contrast or highlight conflict.

3. Applying Lexis and Semantics to Your Exam

In the Oxford AQA 9670 specification, you aren't just identifying these terms for fun. You must link them to Context (Unit 1) and Social Groups (Unit 2).

Unit 1: Language and Context

Ask yourself: How does the choice of words fit the Audience, Purpose, Genre, and Mode?

  • Audience: Is the lexis specialist (for experts) or simple (for children)?
  • Purpose: Does the text use emotive lexis (semantics of fear or joy) to persuade?
  • Genre: Does a news article use "journalese" (lexis like tragedy, exclusive, hero)?
  • Mode: Is the lexis more typical of speech (slang, fillers) or writing (formal, precise)?

Unit 2: Language and Social Groups

Ask yourself: How do words help people fit in or stand out?

  • Identity: Does the person use specific slang to show they belong to a certain group (e.g., "gamers" or "teenagers")?
  • Power: Does a boss use imperative lexis (command words like must, do, submit) to assert authority?
  • Rapport: Does the speaker use "we" and "us" (first-person plural pronouns) to create a sense of belonging and shared identity?

4. Quick Review: Terminology Checklist

Try to use these specific terms in your essays to show the examiner you know your stuff:

  • Specialist Lexis/Jargon: Words used by a specific profession.
  • Euphemism: A polite way of saying something unpleasant (e.g., passed away instead of died).
  • Dysphemism: A harsh or blunt way of saying something (e.g., croaked instead of died).
  • Ambiguity: When a word or phrase has more than one possible meaning (often used for "play" or "humor").
  • Collocation: Words that naturally go together (e.g., heavy rain rather than strong rain).
Common Mistake to Avoid:

Don't just "feature spot"! It is not enough to say: "The writer uses an adjective." You must explain why. Try this formula: "The writer uses the adjective [word] which has connotations of [meaning], suggesting to the audience that [effect]."


Key Takeaways

Lexis = Choice of words. Look for formality, word class, and frequency.

Semantics = Meaning of words. Look for connotations and semantic fields.

Analysis = Always link your word-level findings back to the context (who is speaking, who is listening, and why?).

Note: For more information on how these words are put together into sentences, see the chapter on Grammar: sentence, clause, phrase and word.