What characterizes an idiomatic expression?

What characterizes an idiomatic expression?

• A. Its meaning is derived from the literal meanings of its components
• B. It typically uses technical jargon
• C. It has a meaning not predictable from the individual words
• D. It is commonly used in academic discourse

Answer: (C)

An idiomatic expression is characterized by having a meaning that is not predictable from the individual words that make it up. This means that when someone encounters an idiom, they cannot derive its meaning simply by looking at the words themselves. For example, the phrase "kick the bucket" does not literally relate to kicking or a bucket; instead, it is understood to mean someone has died. The uniqueness of idiomatic expressions lies in their figurative nature, which differs significantly from their literal interpretations, making them a distinct feature of language that reflects cultural nuances and shared understanding among speakers. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of idiomatic expressions. The first choice suggests that idioms derive meaning from their components, which contradicts the fundamental nature of idiomatic language. Technical jargon relates to specialized terms used within particular fields and does not necessarily embody the characteristics of idioms. Lastly, while idiomatic expressions can appear in various discourse forms, including academic, they are more prevalent in informal speech and everyday conversation, rather than being inherently tied to academic contexts.

An idiomatic expression is characterized by having a meaning that is not predictable from the individual words that make it up. This means that when someone encounters an idiom, they cannot derive its meaning simply by looking at the words themselves. For example, the phrase "kick the bucket" does not literally relate to kicking or a bucket; instead, it is understood to mean someone has died. The uniqueness of idiomatic expressions lies in their figurative nature, which differs significantly from their literal interpretations, making them a distinct feature of language that reflects cultural nuances and shared understanding among speakers.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of idiomatic expressions. The first choice suggests that idioms derive meaning from their components, which contradicts the fundamental nature of idiomatic language. Technical jargon relates to specialized terms used within particular fields and does not necessarily embody the characteristics of idioms. Lastly, while idiomatic expressions can appear in various discourse forms, including academic, they are more prevalent in informal speech and everyday conversation, rather than being inherently tied to academic contexts.