The word and its meaning. Denotational, connotational components. Types of lexical meaning. The lexical and grammatical meanings of the word. Semantic changes. Causes of semantic changes: elevation (amelioration), degradation (pejoration). Definition and classification of synonyms in Modern English. Sources of synonyms. Definition and classification of antonyms. Sources of antonyms. Definition and classification of homonyms and polysemy. Sources of homonyms.