neologism

[niːˈɒlədʒɪz(ə)m]

neologism Definition

  • 1a newly coined word or expression
  • 2a new usage of a word

Using neologism: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "neologism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The internet has given rise to many neologisms such as 'selfie' and 'emoji'.

  • Example

    The word 'staycation' is a neologism that combines 'stay' and 'vacation'.

  • Example

    The use of 'they' as a singular pronoun is a neologism that has gained popularity in recent years.

neologism Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for neologism

Phrases with neologism

  • a newly coined word or expression that has gained widespread attention and usage in a particular year

    Example

    The neologism of the year for 2020 was 'doomscrolling'.

  • the process by which new words or expressions become so commonly used that they lose their novelty and need to be replaced by newer ones

    Example

    The neologism treadmill is a challenge for lexicographers who must constantly update dictionaries to keep up with new words.

  • the contrast between newly coined words or expressions and old-fashioned or outdated ones

    Example

    The debate over neologism vs archaism is ongoing in language circles.

Origins of neologism

from Greek 'neos' meaning 'new' and 'logos' meaning 'word'

📌

Summary: neologism in Brief

A 'neologism' [niːˈɒlədʒɪz(ə)m] is a newly coined word or expression, or a new usage of an existing word. It can be seen in popular culture, such as 'selfie' and 'emoji,' or in language evolution, such as the use of 'they' as a singular pronoun. The 'neologism treadmill' describes the process by which new words become common and lose their novelty. The term 'neologism' contrasts with 'archaism,' referring to old-fashioned or outdated words.