(精选)英语词汇学Chapter 13 Elevation and Degradation of Meaning课件.pptVIP

A metaphor, like a simile, also makes a comparison between two unlike elements, but unlike a simile, this comparison is implied rather than stated. Metaphor? There are three major groups of metaphors according to function and character: A. Anthropomorphic metaphors B. Animal metaphors C. Synaesthetic metaphors A. Anthropomorphic metaphors Many inanimate objects are compared to the parts of the human body. the eye of a needle 针眼 the eye of a potato马铃薯的芽眼 the eye of the hurricane 风眼 the eye of a flower 花心 the eye of a peacock’s tail孔雀翎斑 the eye of the revolution 革命中心 参见p.32 for More Examples B. Animal metaphors A great many inanimate objects, including various instruments, machines and parts of machines are called after an animal. Cat-o’-nine-tails; 九尾鞭；香蒲 Cat-ice: thin ice unsupported by water 薄冰 Catmint or catnip 猫薄荷 Catlap: slops, tea, etc. 稀薄饮料 Another large group of animal names can be transferred into words indicating persons. An ass: a stupid foolish person A pig:a dirty, greedy or ill-mannered person Unit 13 Restriction, Elevation and Degradation of Meaning Restriction of Meaning Examples liquor Old Meaning Specialized meaning liquid alcoholic drink example meat Old Meaning Specialized Meaning food Flesh of animals 现代英语中把日常生活用语转用到科技方面，这也是词义缩小的一种现象。 A clean room 和 a white room均为日常生活用语，现指用于精密零件制造的“绝尘室” “A clean room” or “ a white room”,increasingly becomes shop talk. 清洁室或称白室正日益变成专家们的行话。 Elevation of Meaning Words often rise from a humble beginning to a position of greater importance. This change is called elevation of meaning. Pioneer: foot soldier who cleared the way for any army by falling trees, etc. A person who goes before, preparing the way for others, as a scientist doing exploratory work Fond: foolish Tender and affectionate minister Old: an attendant New: a person at the head of a department of a state.