Lexical development refers to the process by which individuals acquire and expand their vocabulary. This development begins in early childhood as children learn to associate words with their meanings through interactions with caregivers and their environment. As they grow, they continue to learn new words, often influenced by reading, conversations, and educational experiences. Factors such as socioeconomic status, exposure to language, and educational opportunities can significantly impact lexical development. Children who are read to frequently or engage in rich verbal interactions tend to develop larger vocabularies. This growth is crucial for effective communication and overall cognitive development throughout life.