Semantic change

Question 1

Broadening

Answer 1

occurs when the meaning of the word becomes more broad or general

Question 2

Narrowing

Answer 2

this is when words move from a broad meaning to a more specific meaning.

Question 3

Amelioration

Answer 3

when a word acquires a more positive meaning

Question 4

Pejoration

Answer 4

when a word acquires a negative meaning

Question 5

weakening

Answer 5

when words lose some of their original strength over time

Question 6

idiomatic expression

Answer 6

an everyday expression whose meaning is not predictable from the meanings of its constitutive elements

Question 7

Euphamism

Answer 7

a generally innocuous word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant. e.g. ethnic solution for genocide

Question 8

Dysphemism

Answer 8

the opposite of euphemism. though meant to shock or offend, dysphemisms may also serve as in group markers to signal closeness.