LL1 - Semantics - Change Flashcards
Semantics
The study of how the meaning of words and expressions are created and interpreted
Semantic change
The evolution of word usage - either through a shift in meaning or the creation of new words
Etymology
The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed
Archaic language
Old fashioned language which isn’t typically used anymore - “forsooth”
Amelioration
A process where a word or phrase develops more positive connotations - nice used to mean foolish/silly
Pejoration
A process where a word or phrase develops more negative connotations - cunning used to mean knowledgeable
Broadening
A type of semantic change where the meaning of a word becomes broader or more inclusive - “cookie”
Narrowing
A type of semantic change where the meaning of a word becomes narrower or less inclusive - meat (used to be food in general)
Semantic reclamation
Where a word which has previously carried negative connotations is reclaimed by the community it was used against - “gay”
Neologism
New words that enter a language - “transgender”
Acronym
An abbreviation consisting of initial letters which then create a new word - “scuba” self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
Initialism
An abbreviation consisting of initia letters pronounced separately - “FBI”
Eponym
A person after whom a discovery, invention ,place,book,etc, is named - “Hamilton”
Compound word
A word which is caused by two or more full words being joined together - “rainbow”
Blended word
Where two or more words are joined together but prays are omitted - “skirt + short = skort”
