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neologism

Noun

IPA /niˈɒlədʒɪzəm/

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Meaning in plain English

A newly created word or a new meaning given to an existing word.

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Pronunciation

neologism/niˈɒlədʒɪzəm/

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  1. Someone invents a new expression

  2. The expression names a new idea

A neologism is a newly created word or a new use of an existing word.

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  1. The novelist invented a neologism for the imaginary creature's unusual call.
  2. We discussed whether the neologism would be understood outside the research group.

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The novelist invented a ________ for the imaginary creature's unusual call.
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neologism — A newly created word or a new meaning given to an existing word.

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A newly created word or a new meaning given to an existing word.

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Word origin

Borrowed from French neologisme, meaning a newly coined expression.

Did you know?

Coin a neologism means create a new word or expression.

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neologism

/niˈɒlədʒɪzəm/ (Noun)

“A neologism may be useful, playful or short-lived; being new does not automatically make it an error.”

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