desynonymizev.
/diːsɪˈnɒnɪmʌɪz/ 1.
a. transitive. To differentiate in meaning words previously synonymous.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > semantics > synonymy > be synonymous with [verb (transitive)] > differentiate in meaning
desynonymize1817
1817 S. T. Coleridge Biogr. Lit. (1870) iv. 42 In all languages there exists an instinct of growth..working unconsciously to desynonymize those words originally of the same meaning.
1838 J. C. Hare & A. W. Hare Guesses at Truth (ed. 2) 1st Ser. 276 His [Coleridge's] word, to desynonymise..is a truly valuable one, as designating a process very common in the history of language.
1882 F. W. Farrar Early Days Christianity I. ix. 205 There had been a rapid tendency to desynonymize the words ‘bishop’ and ‘presbyter’.
b. To free from synonyms.
ΚΠ
1873 F. Hall Mod. Eng. 169 To form an idea of the extent to which our language has been desynonymized.
2. intransitive. To cease to be synonymous.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > semantics > synonymy > be synonymous [verb (intransitive)] > of words: cease to be synonymous
desynonymizea1862
a1862 H. T. Buckle Misc. Wks. (1872) I. 547 Remarks on the tendency of words to desynonymize.
Derivatives
desyˈnonymized adj.
ΚΠ
1884 F. W. Farrar Luke 359 Ἀνάθεμα is only a desynonymised form of the same word [ἀνάθημα].
desyˈnonymizing n. and adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > semantics > synonymy > [noun] > synonym > differentiation of
desynonymizing1833
desynonymization1862
1833 J. C. Hare in Philolog. Museum II. 224 From the desynonymizing tendency before spoken of.
1851 R. C. Trench Study of Words (1869) vi. 225 The process of ‘desynonymizing’.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1895; most recently modified version published online September 2018).
<
v.1817