Semantics Hyponymy and Meronymy

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Questions and Answers

What defines a hyponym relationship between X and Y?

X is a broader category than Y.

F(X) entails F(Y) and also F(Y) entails F(X).

F(X) entails, but is not entailed by F(Y). (correct)

X is a synonym of Y.

According to Cruse, how do native subjects perceive the relationship between 'dog' and 'pet'?

They consider them antonyms.

They classify them as distinct categories.

They see dog as a synonym for pet.

They label it as a para-hyponymy. (correct)

What is implied by the term 'construability' in the context of hyponymy?

It can be adjusted based on specific discourse contexts. (correct)

It is infinitely flexible for all languages.

It is strictly defined without exceptions.

It only applies to nouns.

What is taxonymy primarily concerned with?

Creating distinct lexical hierarchies based on relations Signup and view all the answers

How are sense relations traditionally viewed?

As relations between contextual construals of lexical items. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a characteristic of a good taxonym?

It must be maximally informative while being externally distinctive. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases illustrates the relationship between potential noise-producing agents?

Dogs and other pets. Signup and view all the answers

Which relation best explains the term 'meronymy'?

It links individual entities to their constituent parts. Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered for a full understanding of significance in discourse?

A construal of domain, exclusions, and possibilities. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the portion-whole relation, which sentence exemplifies the concept?

A portion of the cake was given to each of the guests. Signup and view all the answers

What important distinction is made between 'parts' and 'pieces'?

Parts inherently suggest functional components, while pieces do not. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes hyponymy according to Lyons?

Hyponymy depends on the specific context of use. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hyponymy, what does it mean when something is described as an item of furniture?

It's part of a broad category including various objects. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the factors affecting the GOE of parts is true?

Certain factors influence how well X qualifies as a part of Y. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'autonomy' refer to in the distinction between parts and pieces?

The independence of parts from their whole. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with a well-defined hyponym in taxonymy?

Creating subcategories that are vague. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the relationship between a part X and a whole Y?

X has a definable function relative to Y. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes core parts?

Core parts are the smallest parts that cannot be viewed as wholes themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an integral part from an attachment in the part-whole relation?

Integral parts are essential to the identity of the whole, whereas attachments are not. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates meronymy?

The connection between a car and its engine. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the transitivity of the part-whole relation?

If X is a part of Y, and Y is a part of Z, then X is necessarily a part of Z. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'intrinsic construal' refer to in the context of meronymy?

The inherent characteristics that define a part's relation to a whole. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding part-whole chains?

All parts in a chain must be equal in size. Signup and view all the answers

How does internal cohesion of a part X influence its quality as a part?

Higher internal cohesion indicates a better part. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Sense relations are context-dependent, not just based on words themselves.
This chapter examines hyponymy and meronymy, focusing on dynamic construals of meaning.

Hyponymy

X is a hyponym of Y if the features of X are part of Y, but not vice versa.
Examples include "koalas are marsupials" and "mango is fruit".
Hyponymy applies to other parts of speech, like in examples of using "punch" instead of "hit".

Hyponymy and Context

Difficulty arises in defining hyponymy.
"Dog" is a hyponym of "pet", but "it's a dog" doesn't necessarily mean "it's a pet".
The relationship between "dog" and "pet" is referred to as "para-hyponymy".

Relations Between Lexical Items

Sense relations are between contextual construals, not just the words themselves.

Taxonymy

Taxonomic hierarchies use hyponymy (class inclusion) and incompatibility (class exclusion).
Different relations of inclusion are illustrated: "An X is a Y" (simple hyponymy) and "kind/type of" (taxonymy).
Good taxonomies have cohesive internal structures, external distinctiveness, and high informativeness.

Lexical Aspects of Part-Whole Relation

Meronymy is a part-whole relation between meanings, not just physical entities.
The portion-whole relation is the core concept of containment.
Distinction between parts (e.g., parts of an airplane) and pieces (scattered fragments) is important.
Good parts have clear boundaries within the whole, internal cohesion, and definable functions.

Ultimate Parts and Wholes

Part-whole relations often have beginning and end points (a smallest part and largest whole).

Core Parts

A whole (X) has core parts that, if removed, would fundamentally alter X.

Variable Construal and Transitivity

Integral parts and attachments are distinguished; differing types of parts can have different relationships with the whole.

Meronymy

Meronymy is a relationship between contextually constructed meanings of parts and wholes.
Examples: "finger" is a meronym of "hand".
The part-whole relation concerns intrinsic construals of a part's relationship with a whole.

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Description

This quiz covers the concepts of hyponymy and meronymy as explored in the chapter on sense relations. It delves into contextual meaning and the complexities in defining these relationships between lexical items. Test your understanding of how these semantic structures function in various contexts.