Lexis vs. Lexicon — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Lexis refers to the total word stock of a language, emphasizing usage and context, while lexicon focuses on the vocabulary of a language as a system, including definitions and meanings.
Difference Between Lexis and Lexicon
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Lexis and lexicon are both related to the vocabulary of a language, but they differ in focus and application. Lexis encompasses all the words and expressions used in a language, highlighting the way words are used in actual contexts and texts. It is concerned with language in use, including idiomatic expressions, phrases, and variations in style and register. On the other hand, lexicon refers to the complete set of words in a language, often presented in the form of a dictionary. It focuses on the systematic and structured vocabulary of a language, including definitions, etymologies, and pronunciations. While lexis is dynamic and context-dependent, lexicon is more static and structured.
The concept of lexis emphasizes practical usage and the functional aspects of language, such as how words combine to convey meanings in specific contexts. Lexis is often studied in corpus linguistics, where large databases of texts are analyzed to understand language patterns and usage. In contrast, lexicon is studied in lexicography and linguistics, focusing on the compilation and analysis of words, their meanings, and their relationships within the language system.
Lexis is dynamic, constantly evolving with new words, meanings, and usage patterns emerging from the interaction of speakers and texts. It reflects the living aspect of language, sensitive to cultural and societal changes. Conversely, the lexicon is relatively stable, with updates and revisions occurring primarily through formal processes, such as the publication of new dictionary editions.
Understanding lexis is crucial for language learners and users who aim to master the pragmatic aspects of communication, such as idiomatic expressions and context-specific meanings. Meanwhile, a deep understanding of the lexicon is essential for those engaged in the study of language structure, historical linguistics, and the development of educational and linguistic resources.
Lexis and lexicon, while overlapping, serve different purposes in the study and use of language. Lexis focuses on the practical, fluid aspects of language in use, while lexicon provides a systematic, organized representation of a language’s vocabulary. Both concepts are fundamental to linguistics, but they cater to different aspects of language understanding and analysis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Focus
Usage and context of words in language
Systematic vocabulary including definitions and meanings
Application
Language in use, corpus linguistics
Lexicography, linguistic analysis
Nature
Dynamic, constantly evolving
More static and structured
Key Concern
How words are used and combine in contexts
The complete set of words and their meanings
Importance for
Language learners, practical communication
Linguists, lexicographers, dictionary users
Compare with Definitions
Lexis
The complete set of words and expressions used in a language or by a particular speaker.
The lexis of legal English includes terms like tort and indemnify.
Lexicon
A dictionary or the vocabulary of a language, a field, or an individual.
Medical students spend years mastering the lexicon of medicine.
Lexis
A focus on the functional and contextual use of words.
The lexis of a novel may reflect its historical setting through the use of period-specific slang.
Lexicon
The aspect of linguistics concerned with the analysis of words and their meanings.
Lexicography is the practice of compiling and editing a lexicon.
Lexis
The inventory of expressions and phrases that constitute a language’s usage.
Idiomatic expressions are a vibrant part of English lexis.
Lexicon
A fixed inventory of a language’s components, contrasted with its fluid usage.
Despite new additions, the core lexicon of a language remains relatively stable over time.
Lexis
The dynamic aspect of language vocabulary that changes with use.
Technological advancements continuously add to the lexis of modern languages.
Lexicon
The structured set of words including their meanings and forms.
The lexicon of a language includes not just words, but their derivatives and compounds.
Lexis
A perspective in linguistics that emphasizes language as it is actually used.
Studying the lexis of social media can reveal current linguistic trends.
Lexicon
A resource for understanding word definitions, pronunciations, and origins.
The Oxford English Dictionary is an extensive lexicon of the English language.
Lexis
The total set of words in a language as distinct from morphology; vocabulary.
Lexicon
A lexicon is the vocabulary of a language or branch of knowledge (such as nautical or medical). In linguistics, a lexicon is a language's inventory of lexemes.
Lexis
(linguistics) The set of all words and phrases in a language; any unified subset of words from a particular language.
Lexicon
A dictionary.
Lexis
Words, collocations, and common phrases in a language; vocabulary and word combinations.
Lexicon
A stock of terms used in a particular profession, subject, or style; a vocabulary
The lexicon of surrealist art.
Lexis
The vocabulary used by a writer
In this broadsheet newspaper, the reporter uses a complicated and formal lexis which I find hard to understand.
Lexicon
The vocabulary of an individual person
“A few of the women tittered, whether in response to the fluctuating octaves of my voice or the awkwardness of my lexicon” (Elisabeth Brink).
Lexis
All of the words in a language; all word forms having meaning or grammatical function
Lexicon
(Linguistics) The morphemes of a language considered as a group.
Lexicon
The vocabulary of a language.
Lexicon
A dictionary that includes or focuses on lexemes.
Lexicon
A dictionary of Classical Greek, Hebrew, Latin, or Aramaic.
Lexicon
(programming) The lexicology of a programming language. (Usually called lexical structure.)
Lexicon
(rare) Any dictionary.
Lexicon
The vocabulary used by or known to an individual. (Also called lexical knowledge.)
Lexicon
A set of vocabulary specific to a certain subject.
The baseball lexicon
Lexicon
A list thereof.
A baseball lexicon
Lexicon
A vocabulary, or book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language or of a considerable number of them, with the definition of each; a dictionary; especially, a dictionary of the Greek, Hebrew, or Latin language.
Lexicon
A language user's knowledge of words
Lexicon
A reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
Common Curiosities
Why is lexis important?
Lexis is important for understanding the functional use of language, including idiomatic expressions and variations in style.
How does lexicon differ from lexis?
Lexicon focuses on the vocabulary of a language as a systematic set, including definitions and meanings, whereas lexis emphasizes usage and context.
How does one study a language's lexicon?
Studying a language's lexicon involves analyzing its words, meanings, and how they are organized and related.
Can the lexis of a language change?
Yes, the lexis of a language is dynamic and evolves with new words, meanings, and usage patterns.
Is lexis the same as vocabulary?
Lexis can be synonymous with vocabulary but is specifically focused on words in use and their contexts.
What is lexis in linguistics?
Lexis refers to the total stock of words and expressions used in a language, emphasizing how they are used in actual contexts.
What is the role of a lexicon?
A lexicon serves as a comprehensive resource for words, their meanings, pronunciations, and etymologies.
Why might a language learner focus on lexis?
Language learners focus on lexis to master practical communication, including idiomatic and context-specific uses.
How is lexicon compiled?
Lexicons are compiled through the process of lexicography, involving linguistic research and analysis.
What is corpus linguistics, and how is it related to lexis?
Corpus linguistics is the study of language as expressed in corpora (bodies of text) and focuses on the practical use of lexis.
What influences changes in a language's lexis?
Changes in society, technology, and culture can influence the evolution of a language's lexis.
How do lexicographers update a lexicon?
Lexicographers update a lexicon by researching language use, including new words and changing meanings.
Does lexicon include slang and idioms?
A lexicon may include slang and idioms, especially if it aims to be comprehensive and reflect the language fully.
Can a single word belong to both lexis and lexicon?
Yes, a word belongs to both lexis and lexicon but is considered from different perspectives: usage vs. systematic knowledge.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Interred vs. Interned
Next Comparison
Modifier vs. AdjectiveAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
