Definition & Meaning of "lexis"

What is "lexis"?

Lexis refers to the complete set of words and expressions in a language, encompassing both individual words and phrases. It includes all vocabulary items, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and idiomatic expressions, and represents the linguistic resources available for communication. The study of lexis involves understanding how words are formed, used, and related to one another in meaning and context. This concept is essential in fields such as linguistics, language teaching, and translation, as it helps in analyzing how language functions and how meanings are conveyed in different situations.