Semantic classification of compound words in English Lexicology

Abstract

This article examines the semantic classification of compound words within the framework of English lexicology. It aims to identify and analyze the main types of compounds based on the relationships between their components and the meanings they convey. The study explores various semantic categories, including endocentric, exocentric, copulative, and appositional compounds, highlighting their structural and functional characteristics. Special attention is given to the ways in which meaning is derived from the interaction of constituent elements and how semantic transparency or opacity influences interpretation. The research employs descriptive and analytical methods to systematize existing theoretical approaches and provide illustrative examples from modern English usage. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of word formation processes and demonstrate the significance of semantic classification in enriching vocabulary and improving linguistic competence.