What term denotes an umbrella item of lexis which subsumes a range of more specific items?

What term denotes an umbrella item of lexis which subsumes a range of more specific items?

• A. Hypernym
• B. Hyponym
• C. Superordinate
• D. Subordinate

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is the label for the broad category that contains a group of more specific terms. In lexical semantics, the higher-level term that subsumes many more specific items is called the superordinate. It sits above the individual items (which are hyponyms), forming a hierarchical umbrella like “animal” that covers dog, cat, horse, and so on. While hypernym is a closely related way to express the same relationship, the term that best fits the phrase “an umbrella item of lexis which subsumes a range of more specific items” is the superordinate, because it names the level of generality itself. For example, “animal” is a superordinate (and a hypernym) of “dog” and “cat.”

The idea being tested is the label for the broad category that contains a group of more specific terms. In lexical semantics, the higher-level term that subsumes many more specific items is called the superordinate. It sits above the individual items (which are hyponyms), forming a hierarchical umbrella like “animal” that covers dog, cat, horse, and so on. While hypernym is a closely related way to express the same relationship, the term that best fits the phrase “an umbrella item of lexis which subsumes a range of more specific items” is the superordinate, because it names the level of generality itself. For example, “animal” is a superordinate (and a hypernym) of “dog” and “cat.”