Meaning is understood in this chapter not only as semantics (lexis = word meaning) but as morphology, both lexical and derivational, in an overarching cultural context. Etymological analysis is invoked where relevant, as are examples pertaining to classes of words like onomastics and social/professional jargons. Contemporary English vocabulary is seen as the cumulative result of diverse historical residues, and the frequent oblivion of older meaning norms is specified wherever generational and cultural differences lie at its root.