What is the term for the tendency to apply a word to objects that are inappropriate for the word meaning?

Question

English

Davian Everett

4 June, 02:05

What is the term for the tendency to apply a word to objects that are inappropriate for the word meaning?

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Aarav · Answer 1

overextension

Explanation:

Overextension is an error in early stages of language development, in which a child usually applies the same word to label different things, usually as a result of lack of vocabulary. For example, a child may use the word daddy to refer to all men, or dog to name all kinds of animals. Overextension diminishes with time as children receive corrective feedback and increase their lexicon.