Select the process that the following word has undergone.

deer from OE d or (any four-footed wild animal)

amelioration: change in meaning to something more favorable

pejoration: change in meaning to something less favorable

specialization: meaning narrows to refer to something specific

generalization: meaning broadens to refer to something general

Question

English

Guest

5 January, 08:53

Select the process that the following word has undergone.

deer from OE d or (any four-footed wild animal)

amelioration: change in meaning to something more favorable

pejoration: change in meaning to something less favorable

specialization: meaning narrows to refer to something specific

generalization: meaning broadens to refer to something general

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Rhett · Answer 1

specialization: meaning narrows to refer to something specific

The original "d or" meant "any four-footed wild animal". This could include lions, giraffes, pandas, raccoons, frogs, squirrels, ladybug, etc. The word deer now refers to a specific animal, a deer. They do have four feet, but they are a specific species and live in only specific areas. The word has changed from being more general "d or" meaning any four-footed animal to "deer" a specific species.