Predictivity vs. Stipulativity in the Lexicon

This paper discusses the balance which must be made in the lexicon between the capture of generalisations about word use and the reflection of idiosyncratic word use, through the example of the resultative construction. The syntax and semantics of that construction are considered in detail, as is the felicity of a range of instantiations of the construction. The conclusions drawn from this analysis emphasise that the balance of information in the lexicon must be carefully considered. This is particularly true in the context of the various knowledge sources which influence the interpretation and use of a word. Pragmatic reasoning and linguistic conventionalisation are argued to influence the structure of information in the lexicon.