Lexical Sophistication

One word having several related meanings:

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, without emotional associations:

A process by which a word gains a more positive meaning over time:

A process by which a word gains a more negative meaning over time:

The mistaken use of a similar-sounding word, often funny:

Understatement using a negative to affirm a positive, often for emphasis or irony:

A newly invented word or meaning:

A harsh or deliberately offensive word used in place of a neutral or positive one:

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole, or vice versa:

Using a closely associated concept to refer to something else:

Changing the formality level of language to suit the audience or context:

A group of words all related to the same topic or concept:

The word "head" shows : the head of a person, of a company, of a queue.

The of "snake" is a reptile; its connotation may be treachery.

: "knight" originally meant servant; it later gained prestige.

: "villain" originally meant farm worker; now it means evil person.

Saying "for all intensive purposes" is a .

: "not bad" meaning "very good" / "not unlike" meaning "similar"

"Doomscrolling" is a recent .

: "croak" for "die" / "shrink" for "therapist"

: "All hands on deck" — hands = sailors

: "The Crown" for the monarchy / "The press" for journalism

A from "I wish to enquire" to "Can I ask?" signals informality.

The of medicine: diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, recovery.