Underextension
A lexical development pattern where children restrict a word to a narrower range of referents than is appropriate in adult language. Underextension occurs less frequently than overextension.
Real World
A child who has only ever seen their own golden retriever might refuse to call a neighbour's poodle a 'dog', restricting the word exclusively to the one familiar animal.
Exam Focus
Contrast underextension with overextension in the same answer to demonstrate evaluative analysis and access higher AO3 marks.
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