Approaches to the Presentation of English Word Meaning

Various ways are applied in the interpretation of English words, such as giving the definition of a certain word by illustrate its synonyms, or setting up a situation in which vivid symbols or pictures are shown as a detailed explanation which turns abstract to concrete. Factually, English learners have mastered them more or less, but few try to analyze the approaches which are of great use in optimizing expressions, broadening mind, and diversifying the ways to enrich the connotation of a word. Here the author tries to summarize some specific approaches to English word meaning, hoping the experience can be helpful for those who are willing to know more about a single word and change the way we think. Though this paper is not elaborated in an all-round way, at least the aim is clear, namely to provide reference for further study in this realm. Inspiration for creating this paper originates from a question given by another English enthusiast, that is "Could you please translate '(sic)' ? (It refers to something that seems so close to you, but it is hard or impossible to seize)". A definition goes like that according to the dictionary, "Having or exhibiting something that provokes or arouses one's expectation or desire, especially which remain unobtainable or out of one's reach. "Being interpreted like that, it is pretty clear to most of the English learners, however, some unsolved confusion still exist due to the differences between Chinese and foreign cultures. Thus, a vivid way to explain it is also needed if we intend to start from an all-round perspective. It is so accidental that another translator expressed it as "Pie in the sky' which is similar with the expression of "Luna in the water", building a concrete scene that greatly enriched the connotation of the word. The relations between these two expressions should not be contradictory but should tolerate each other, promote the expansion of the word, and together constitute a grand universe for us to explore.