Lemma Meaning: Definition and Examples
π
lemma
[ΛlemΙ ]
Definitions
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.
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
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.
Origin of 'lemma'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'lemma' originates from the Greek word 'λΡΟΞΌΞ±' (leuma), which means 'that which is received'. It was historically used in Ancient Greek philosophy and later adopted into Latin as 'lemma', indicating a premise or proposition. In the context of linguistics, it began appearing in English in the 19th century as scholars sought to classify words systematically, providing a structure for the understanding of grammar and vocabulary. In mathematics, 'lemma' gained traction in the 17th century when mathematicians formalized the process of constructing proofs. The dual usage in linguistics and mathematics highlights the word's versatility and significance in both fields, bridging gaps between language understanding and logical reasoning.