What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lexeme
Example
The word 'run' has several lexemes, including 'runs', 'running', and 'runner'. [lexeme: noun]
Example
In English, the plural of 'goose' is 'geese', which is an inflection of the lexeme 'goose'. [lexeme: noun]
lemma
Example
The lemma for the word 'ran' is 'run'. [lemma: noun]
Example
In the sentence 'I am running', the lemma for 'running' is 'run'. [lemma: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lemma is more commonly used than lexeme in linguistic and computational contexts. Lemma is a fundamental concept in natural language processing and machine learning, while lexeme is more specific to morphology and syntax analysis.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lexeme and lemma?
Both lexeme and lemma are technical terms used in linguistics and computational fields, making them more formal than everyday language.
