Grammaticalization

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɹəmætəkəɫˈaɪˈziˈætˈaɪˌɑn/

Grammaticalization (noun)

  1. A process where a word or phrase gradually changes into a grammatical marker used to show meaning like tense or case.
  2. A change in which a form loses its original meaning and takes on a more grammatical role in sentences.

Examples

  • Over time, a word becomes grammar through grammaticalization.
  • The process shows how a word becomes grammar in many languages.