Lecture change of meaning and its results

1. Restriction of meaning (specialization):
1) hound < O. E. hund = a dog of any breed > a dog used in the chase;
2) fowl < O. E. buzol, buzel = any bird > a domestic hen or cock.
2. Extension of meaning (generalization):
1) target < O.N. targa + et = ‘a small round shield ‘ > ‘anything that is fired at’ > ‘any result aimed at’.
Change of the connotational component of the meaning of the word can be resulted in the following:
3. Amelioration of meaning:
The process indicates the change of the original meaning from neutral or negative of the connotational component to positive or neutral. E. g. :
1) minister < L “a servant, an attendant’s”: > one officiating or assisting at the administration of a sacrament; > a high governmental official.
4. Deterioration (pejoration) of meaning
It is the case when we observe the pejorative development or the acquisition by the word of some derogating emotive charge: E. g.:
clod 1. a lamp or mass, especially of clay or earth;
2.