Semantic Meanderings of Queen in Lexicographic Perspective

Abstract

A lexeme typically conveys a variety of senses. This depends on its actual semantic structure, involves presupposed meanings as well as embraces conversational and situational implicatures. The meaning of a lexeme is also determinated by the context, the situation of its use and the knowledge of the user of a particular language. Hence, the information provided by a particular work of reference is twofold in its nature - semantic and pragmatic. Accordingly, the main objective of the paper is to investigate the semantics and usage value of the lexical item QUEEN throughout the development of the English language.