Word frequency refers to the frequency in which a word appears in language.

Word frequency refers to the frequency in which a word appears in language.

• A. The rate at which words are created in language
• B. The frequency in which a word appears in language
• C. The order of words in a sentence
• D. The semantics of a word

Answer: (B)

Word frequency is about how often a word appears in language. It measures the rate of usage across a body of text or speech. This best matches the idea that frequency reflects occurrence, not creation, order, or meaning. The rate at which words are created concerns new coinages rather than how often existing words show up. The order of words in a sentence relates to syntax, not usage frequency. Semantics concerns what a word means, not how often it is used. So this definition correctly captures the concept.

Word frequency is about how often a word appears in language. It measures the rate of usage across a body of text or speech. This best matches the idea that frequency reflects occurrence, not creation, order, or meaning. The rate at which words are created concerns new coinages rather than how often existing words show up. The order of words in a sentence relates to syntax, not usage frequency. Semantics concerns what a word means, not how often it is used. So this definition correctly captures the concept.