1.
obsolete word; archaic term; dead word
A word that has fallen out of common use and is no longer part of active vocabulary. Used in linguistics and language study to classify words that were once current but are now considered outdated.
この言葉はもう廃語だ。
This word is already obsolete.
辞書には廃語にも注釈が付いている。
The dictionary includes annotations even for obsolete words.
時代の変化とともに多くの言葉が廃語になり、新しい言葉が生まれてくる。
As times change, many words become obsolete and new words are born.
Composed of 廃 (abolish, discard) and 語 (word, language). A linguistics term used when discussing historical changes in vocabulary. Unlike 古語 (classical/old Japanese word), which refers specifically to words from classical literature, 廃語 emphasizes that a word is no longer in active use regardless of its era of origin.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 廃語になる: to become obsolete
- 廃語扱い: treated as obsolete
- 廃語辞典: dictionary of obsolete words
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 古語: classical Japanese word — refers to words from classical literature (pre-modern Japanese); may still be understood
- 死語: dead word — more colloquial; often used humorously for slang that has gone out of fashion
- 雅語: elegant/literary word — archaic words preserved in formal or literary registers