* Lexemes: Lexemes are the basic units of meaning in a language. They are abstract representations of words, encompassing all their grammatical forms. For example, "run," "runs," "running," and "ran" are all forms of the same lexeme.
* Synonyms: Synonyms are words that have very similar meanings. While "shout" and "scream" can often be used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in connotation and usage:
* Intensity: "Scream" usually implies a more intense and high-pitched sound than "shout."
* Emotion: "Scream" often suggests fear, anger, or pain, while "shout" can be used for various emotions or simply to be heard over a distance.
* Different Lexemes: Despite being synonyms, "shout" and "scream" are distinct lexemes because they:
* Have different pronunciations: "Shout" and "scream" sound different.
* Have different spellings: They are written differently.
* Can have slightly different meanings in certain contexts.
Example: You wouldn't say "I screamed hello to my friend," because "scream" implies a more urgent or emotional tone than is typical for greeting someone.
In summary: While synonyms share similar meanings, they are not always the same lexeme. Lexemes are defined by their underlying meaning, form, and pronunciation, and even words with similar meanings can be distinct lexemes.