What process describes how a word gains particular associations after repeated encounters?

• A. Priming
• B. Prosody
• C. Diphthong
• D. Monophthong

Answer: (A)

Priming is the process at play here. When a word is encountered repeatedly in different contexts, its meaning becomes tied to related ideas, emotions, and situations in memory. This makes those associations more readily activated the next time you see or hear the word, shaping how you interpret it and respond. It’s the automatic spreading activation in semantic memory: prior exposure lowers the threshold for related concepts to come to mind, so the word starts carrying certain connotations more strongly.

For example, if a word often appears in positive social contexts, it may begin to evoke warmth or approval; if it shows up in dangerous or negative contexts, it can prime caution or threat-related associations.

Prosody isn’t about forming associations through repetition; it’s about the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech. Diphthongs and monophthongs are types of vowel sounds, not cognitive associations formed from repeated encounters.