Arguments structure and lexicographical definition. How to define the predicate verb in a Spanish semasiological dictionary

Authors

  • Susana Serra Sepúlveda Universidad de Chile, Av. Ignacio Carrera Pinto 1025, Ñuñoa, Santiago

Abstract

Semasiological dictionaries possess a powerful instrument to account for the argument structure of lexical predicates and the usage restrictions of lexical items: the ‘environment’ of the lexicographical definition. In this article, we critically examine the treatment given to the notion of environment in monolingual contemporary Spanish semasiological dictionaries and suggest some definition patterns of verbal predicates, taking into account the set of arguments that they select and the manner in which they are projected into the sentential syntax.

Keywords:

predicate, argument, selection restrictions, environment, lexicographical definition