Abstract

In the field of predictability, the effort of both morphologists and psycholinguists has been primarily concentrated on primary compounds. Little attention has been paid to the meaning predictability of converted naming units. This article discusses some aspects of a theory of predictability which is related to an onomasiological theory of word formation, and points out the specific features of meaning predictability of converted naming units. Theoretical considerations are applied to a sample of non-established converted naming units within experimental research. A method of calculating the predictability rate is proposed. The predictability of various naming units may be compared by means of an objectified predictability rate. The factors affecting the predictability of novel context-free naming units are identified and discussed.