Corpus

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɔːpəs/

Definitions

• A collection of written or spoken material stored in digital form, used for linguistic analysis.
• The body of a person or animal.
• A collection of works or texts, particularly of a specific author or genre.

Usage Examples

• "Linguists study large corpora to understand language patterns."
• "The lawyer referred to a legal corpus to support his argument."
• "The museum houses the corpse of a well-known explorer."

Etymology

The word "corpus" comes from Latin, meaning "body." It is used in a variety of contexts, from legal to linguistic fields, reflecting its broad meaning of "body" or "collection of materials."

Synonyms

• Body
• Collection
• Compilation
• Archive
• Anthology

Antonyms

• Fragment
• Part
• Piece
• Individual

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation may vary regionally, with some accents favoring a softer "o" sound while others may emphasize the "u" sound more strongly. In some regions, the pronunciation of the final "us" can be more clipped, making it sound like "kor-puhs" rather than "kor-poos."

Historical Usage

The term "corpus" has been used in various contexts since the Latin Middle Ages, referring primarily to the body. In modern times, its application has broadened to include collections of texts in linguistics, legal references, and even anatomical or medical discussions. Historically, "corpus" often referred to the body of a deceased person.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the term "corpus" also has religious or spiritual significance, particularly in Christian traditions where "Corpus Christi" refers to the body of Christ. In legal terms, "corpus" can refer to a person's body of property or legal rights. The use of "corpus" in academia often denotes the entire body of work in a particular field, emphasizing completeness.

More Information

The concept of a "corpus" extends well beyond its meaning as a physical body. In linguistics, a corpus is an essential tool for researchers, as it allows for the study of language usage through real-world examples. In legal terms, "corpus" can refer to a person's body of assets, or even as part of the phrase "habeas corpus," which is a fundamental legal term ensuring that an individual cannot be unlawfully detained. Additionally, "corpus" is used in academic settings to refer to the collection of works by a particular author or scholar, showcasing their entire contribution to the field.