Semantic Change

Question 1

Broadening (generalisation) and example

Answer 1

When a meaning of a word broadens, still retaining its original meaning but also has another one.
Eg. ‘Sick’ and ‘Holiday’ - originally mean holy day.

Question 2

Narrowing (Specialisation) and example

Answer 2

Word becomes more specific in meaning.
Eg. ‘meat’ used to mean food but now refers to animals, ‘girl’ meant all used people but now only for females

Question 3

Amelioration and example

Answer 3

When a word originally meant something negative but takes on a positive connotation.
Eg. ‘pretty’ used to mean sly but now means attractive

Question 4

Pejoration and example

Answer 4

The degradation of words
Eg. ‘awful’ meant full of awe

Question 5

Weakening and example

Answer 5

Words losing their force over time
Eg. ‘soon’ meant immediately but now means near future

Question 6

Metonymy and example

Answer 6

Where something is referred to by its attribute
Eg. royalty = ‘the crown’ and actors = ‘Hollywood’

Question 7

Idioms and example

Answer 7

Group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning, that is different from the individual words meaning.
Eg. ‘Over the moon’ and ‘down in the dumps’

Question 8

Euphemism and example

Answer 8

Mild or offensive way of describing something that could be perceived as offensive.
Eg. ‘downsizing’ buying a cheaper house due to money issues but not admitting that

Question 9

Political Correctness and example

Answer 9

Replace words/expressions that demean minority groups
Eg. ‘mentally handicapped’ going to ‘learning difficulty’