Language Change - Key Terms (Semantics) Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What is Narrowing?

A

When the meaning of a particular word becomes more specific.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is Broadening?

A

When a word takes on additional new meanings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is Amelioration?

A

When the meaning of a word becomes more positive.

e.g. how ‘pretty’ used to mean sly or cunning, ‘wicked’ can now mean great.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is Pejoration?

A

When the meaning becomes less favourable/more negative.

e.g. how ‘hussy’ used to be a housewife.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is Metaphorical extension/idiomatic usage?

A

When words acquire new meanings because they
have been used metaphorically.

e.g. ‘over the moon’, ‘under the weather’, ‘in the
doghouse’.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are Euphemisms?

A

An inoffensive way of describing something distasteful.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

If something is Cliché, what does that mean?

A

An overused expression or idea.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Definition of Antithesis?

A

A figure of speech with sharply contrasting ideas

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly