Pronunciation: [lˈɛksɪkə͡lˌa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The word "lexicalize" is spelled /lɛksɪkəlaɪz/. It is pronounced "LEK-si-kuh-lize." The first syllable "LEK" is stressed, followed by the "si" and "kuh" syllables. The final syllable "lize" is pronounced similarly to the word "rise." "Lexicalize" means to convert a concept or idea into a word, or to use a word in a specific context. Its spelling can be challenging due to the combination of consonants and the stress pattern.
The term "lexicalize" refers to the process of transforming a word or phrase from a non-lexical or nonstandard form into a recognized and standardized part of a language's lexicon or vocabulary. It involves incorporating a word, expression, or idiom into the lexicon of a particular language, making it official and widely recognized by native speakers.
When a word is lexicalized, it is typically added to dictionaries or other linguistic references for easy access and comprehension. This process is crucial in maintaining linguistic consistency and facilitating effective communication within a language community. It involves assigning meaning, spelling, and pronunciation to a new word or phrase, and subsequently, it becomes an integral part of the language's vocabulary.
Lexicalization can occur through various means, including borrowing from other languages or creating new words or expressions within the language itself. It often happens as a natural result of language evolution, as speakers strive to express new concepts, technological advancements, cultural phenomena, or other emergent realities.
Lexicalization plays a significant role in language standardization, as it ensures conformity and coherence within a language system. However, it should be noted that the process of lexicalization can sometimes be subject to debate and variations among different linguistic communities. The acceptance and adoption of lexicalized words may vary depending on regional, cultural, or stylistic factors.
The word "lexicalize" is formed from the combination of two components: "lexical" and the suffix "-ize".
The term "lexical" is derived from the Greek word "lexis", which means "word" or "speech". It gained prominence in English through the Latin word "lexicus" and eventually evolved into "lexical". In English, "lexical" refers to anything related to words, vocabulary, or the lexicon of a language.
The suffix "-ize" comes from Greek as well, specifically from the Greek verb-forming element "-izein". It is often used to transform a noun or an adjective into a verb. In this case, adding "-ize" to "lexical" creates the verb "lexicalize", meaning to convert something into words or to express in terms of vocabulary.
