本书以现代语言学理论为指导，以英语词汇为研究对象，着重论述了英语词汇的来源、发展、现状及其研究方法；分析了英语词汇结构、类型、意义、理论根据、相互关系、语义的变化方式、过程及用法；研究了英国英语和美国英语等的差异；较详细地阐述了英语习语的特点、分类、语义，以及英语词典的发展和使用，并提供了大量例证。
　　本书可作为高等学校英语专业教材，非英语专业高年级选修课教材及翻译工作者的学习参考书。

Chapter 1 Introduction(A General Survey of English Vocabulary )
1.1 Definition of Lexicology
1.2 Importance of Lexieology
1.3 Significance of Studying Lexieology
1.4 Information on Related Terms--Language, Linguistics and Words
1.5 Interrelated Linguistic Branches
1.6 Synchronic and Diaehronie Lexieology Methods of Study
1.7 Summary
1.8 Exereises
Bibliography
Chapter 2 Etymology ( The Evolution of Words)
2.1 Introduction to Etymology
2.2 A Brief History of English Words
2.3 Summary
2.4 Exercises
Bibliography
Chapter 3 Word Formation
3.1 Definition of Word
3.2 Introduction to Morphology and Morpheme
3.3 Affix or Affixation
3.4 Conversion
3.5 Compounds or Compounding (Composition)
3.6 Abbreviation(Shortening)
3.7 Onomatopoeia
3.8 Summary
3.9 Exercises
Bibliography
Chapter 4 Semantics I (Relationships between Words) --
4.1 Introduction to Semantics
4.2 Polysemy
4.3 Homonymy
4.4 Synonymy
4.5 Antonymy
4.6 Hyponymy
4.7 Summary
4.8 Exercises
Bibliography
Chapter 5 Semantics H (Mutation of Meaning)
5.1 Introduction to Semantic Change
5.2 Extension (Generalization)
5.3 Contraction (Specialization)
5.4 Elevation (Amelioration)
5.5 Degradation (Deterioration)
5.6 Transformation
5.7 Causes of Semantic Changes
5.8 Summary
5.9 Exercises
Bibliography
Chapter 6 Phraseology and Multi-Word Expressions
Chpater 7 Vocabularies
Chapter 8 English of the World
Chapter 9 Lexicography(The Art of Dictionary Making)
Appendix Key to the Exercises