What Does It Mean to Say That a Word or Sound

question 32

Multiple Choice

What does it mean to say that a word or sound is arbitrary?

• A) One cannot just guess the meaning from the sound.
• B) It has the same meaning in nearly all languages.
• C) The word's meaning is the opposite of what it sounds like.
• D) The meaning of the word has changed over the years.

---

Definitions:

Verbal IQ

A measure of one's ability to understand, use, and analyze language.

Performance IQ

A measure of a person's non-verbal and spatial abilities as part of an overall intelligence assessment.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

A standardized test designed to measure intelligence and cognitive ability in adults and older adolescents.

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

An individually administered intelligence test that was revised from the Binet-Simon Scale, used to assess human intelligence.