Lemma: meaning, definitions and examples
π
Add to dictionary
lemma
[ΛlemΙ ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Noun
linguistics
A lemma is the base form of a word, considered without inflections or derivations. In linguistic studies, it serves as the canonical form of a set of words. For example, 'run' is the lemma for 'running', 'ran', and 'runs'.
Synonyms
base form, canonical form, root.
Examples of usage
- The lemma 'child' can denote its plural 'children'.
- In dictionaries, words are listed in their lemma form.
- Linguists often analyze texts using lemmas.
Context #2 | Noun
mathematics
In mathematics, a lemma refers to a proven statement that is used as a stepping stone to prove further statements. It is often a useful proposition that simplifies the proof of a theorem.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The proof of the main theorem relies on the previous lemma.
- A common lemma in geometric proofs is the Triangle Inequality.
- Mathematicians regularly use lemmas to facilitate complex arguments.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'lemma' comes from the Greek word ' lemma,' meaning 'something that is taken' or 'that which is assumed.'
- Originally used in ancient Greek logic, 'lemma' referred to a premise or proposition that is assumed true for the sake of argument.
- In linguistics, it has evolved to describe the base form of words, helping us study language structure.
Linguistics
- Lemmas are important in dictionaries, where they are listed as the main headwords from which definitions and usages of various forms spring.
- Using lemmas helps in understanding and processing language by allowing speakers to connect different forms of a word quickly.
- In natural language processing, algorithms often rely on parsing text through lemmas for more efficient language modeling.
Philosophy
- In philosophical texts, lemmas are used to establish foundational principles that support broader arguments or theories.
- The role of lemmas in logic is to serve as stepping stones in proofs, allowing complex structures to be built from simpler ideas.
- Notable philosophers used lemmas in their writings, illustrating how language can convey nuanced meanings.
Psychology
- Studies show that recognizing lemmas facilitates reading and comprehension, allowing readers to grasp meaning more efficiently.
- The processing of lemmas in the brain is linked to language acquisition, helping children learn new words and their uses.
- Lemmas can affect how we recall information as they serve as mental shortcuts that aid memory retrieval.
Education
- Teaching with lemmas can help students understand grammar because they often encounter different forms of words in their studies.
- Grammar textbooks emphasize the importance of lemmas when explaining word families and their variations.
- Using the concept of lemma in language teaching can simplify the complexities of verb conjugations and noun declensions.