Hypoanalysis

Hypoanalysis is a mechanism through which a linguistic unit gains new meaning or function. It takes place in a situation where the hearers interpret some meaning or function which is provided by the linguistic context the item occurs in as an inherent semantic or functional property of this item.

Hyperanalysis is one of the four mechanisms of form-function reanalysis established by Croft (2000). He also refers to this mechanism as "underanalysis". The opposite process is at work in the mechanism of hyperanalysis.

References

• Croft, William. 2000. Explaining Language Change. An Evolutionary Perspective, ch. 5. Form-function reanalysis. Harlow: Longman, 117--144.