What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
headword
Example
The headword for this entry is 'apple'. [headword: noun]
Example
The headword is always in bold at the beginning of a dictionary entry. [headword: noun]
lemma
Example
The lemma for 'running' is 'run'. [lemma: noun]
Example
Linguists use lemmas to study the relationships between words. [lemma: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Headword is a more common term used in everyday language, especially in the context of dictionaries and reference materials. Lemma, on the other hand, is a more technical term used in specialized fields such as linguistics and computational analysis.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between headword and lemma?
Headword is a less technical and more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Lemma, however, is a more technical term that is typically used in specialized fields and may be less appropriate for everyday language use.
