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lemma

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈlɛm.ə/

KK: /ˈlɛm.ə/

noun
Definition

A word or phrase that is used as a base or reference in a glossary, dictionary, or similar listing, often representing a concept or subject.


Example

In the glossary, each lemma is defined to help readers understand the text better.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a lemma in mathematics?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it’s like a stepping stone to prove something bigger, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It helps to clarify arguments when you're working through a problem.
Sloth B
That's really interesting; I might need to look into it more for my studies.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
proposition
theme
term
Antonyms
conclusion
refutation
disproof
Root Explanation

**Lemma** → It originates from the Greek word "lēmma" (meaning something taken or received). In linguistic terms, a lemma refers to the base form of a word, which is taken as a representative form for inflected forms.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'base form' that is 'taken' from a word — that's what a lemma represents in language.

Visually Confused Words
emma
oolemma
dilemma
alemmal
ulema
limma
leuma
lemna
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