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/dəkˌatɪɡəɹˌɪəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/
/dəkˌæɾɪɡɚɹˌɪəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/the process by which a word or morpheme loses its original grammatical category and acquires a more independent, lexical function
What is "de-categorialization"?
De-categorialization is a linguistic process in which a word loses its specific grammatical category or function, becoming less fixed in its use within a language. This often occurs as a result of changes in language use over time, leading to increased flexibility in how words are applied. For example, a word that originally functions as a noun may begin to be used as a verb, or its specific grammatical markers may be dropped, allowing for broader application. This process can contribute to the development of new meanings and uses for words, reflecting changes in communication practices and the evolution of language as it adapts to different contexts.
