1. Individual Word Meaning:
* Denotation: This is the literal, dictionary definition of a word. "Cat" denotes a small, furry, domesticated animal.
* Connotation: This refers to the implied or suggested meanings of a word. "Cat" might also connote independence, mystery, or even a feeling of being aloof.
2. Relationship Between Words:
* Collocation: Words often appear together in predictable patterns. "Strong coffee" is a common collocation, while "weak coffee" is less common.
* Syntax: The arrangement of words in a sentence. "The dog chased the cat" has a different meaning than "The cat chased the dog."
* Semantic Fields: Words related by meaning belong to semantic fields. For example, "happy," "joyful," and "ecstatic" all fall within the semantic field of positive emotions.
3. Contextual Meaning:
* Situational Context: The physical setting, time, and social situation influence how words are understood. "It's cold outside" means different things in Alaska than in Florida.
* Linguistic Context: The surrounding words and sentences provide clues to the meaning of a word. "She was an accomplished pianist" tells us more about "accomplished" than "She was an accomplished person."
4. Figurative Language:
* Metaphor: Comparing two things without using "like" or "as." "He's a lion in battle" gives us a sense of the man's bravery.
* Simile: Comparing two things using "like" or "as." "He fights like a lion" also conveys bravery.
* Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things. "The wind whispered secrets through the trees" creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.
5. The Reader's Interpretation:
* Each reader brings their own experiences, knowledge, and biases to the text, influencing their interpretation of words and their meaning.
In essence, words in a text create meaning through a complex interplay of denotation, connotation, context, and figurative language, culminating in the reader's personal understanding.