Semantic Change Flashcards
1
Q
What happens to some words as time goes on?
A
The meaning of words change
2
Q
Amelioration
A
a word gains a more positive meaning, for example, ‘dank’
3
Q
Bleaching
A
a word loses power, for
example, ‘crap’
4
Q
Derogation
A
a word gets a worse meaning over time. For example, ‘spinster’.
5
Q
Expansion/ broadening
A
a word’s definition expands
to cover more. For example,
“bird’ used to refer to just small birds.
6
Q
Metaphor and metonymy
A
A word/phrase become a metaphor or
metonym and so its meaning changes.
For example, ‘doghouse’
7
Q
Restriction
A
word loses some of its meanings. For example, 'gay' has lost its meaning of 'happy'
8
Q
Neosemy
A
a word gains a completely
new meaning. For example,
“surf’ the
waves > ‘surf’ the internet.
