Isolated Words

Definition

Isolated words, also known as one-word stage or holophrastic stage, is the period in language development when toddlers start using single words to express their thoughts or needs. These words are often used in isolation and may convey a whole sentence's meaning.

Related terms

Telegraphic Speech: Telegraphic speech refers to the early two-word combinations used by toddlers during the later stages of language development. It consists of essential content words without grammatical markers.

Overextension: Overextension occurs when toddlers use a word too broadly and apply it to various objects that share some characteristics with the original referent.

Underextension: Underextension is the opposite of overextension, where a toddler uses a word too narrowly and applies it only to specific instances rather than generalizing its usage.