neologize

The linguist loves to neologize during her lectures.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To coin or introduce new words: "neologize" means to create or adopt new words, phrases, or expressions, especially in a language or field of study.
   • To use new words: It can also refer to the act of employing newly coined terms in speech or writing.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Linguists often neologize to describe emerging technologies and cultural phenomena. (Linguists create new words for new concepts.)
  • The author tends to neologize freely in his novels, inventing terms for imaginary worlds. (The writer uses newly made-up words.)

Advanced Usage

• "to neologize excessively": to create an overwhelming number of new words, sometimes to the point of obscurity.
  • Some critics argue that the poet neologizes excessively, making his work difficult to understand. (He invents too many new terms.)

Variants and Related Words

• Neologism (n): a newly coined word or expression.
  • "Selfie" is a neologism from the early 21st century. (A newly created word.)
• Neologistic (adj): relating to or characterized by the use of new words.
  • Her neologistic style adds freshness to her writing. (Her style uses new words.)

Synonyms

• Coin: to invent a new word or phrase.
• Innovate linguistically: to introduce new language elements.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms