Semantic change Flashcards
1
Q
Amelioration
A
When the meaning of a word becomes more pleasant e.g. wicked
2
Q
Broadening
A
When a word retains its original meaning but takes on added meanings as well e.g. ‘guys’ now refers to male and female
3
Q
Pejoration
A
Positive into a negative meaning e.g. silly meant blessed until it became foolish
4
Q
Weakening
A
Word loses some of its force e.g. mischievous now only means cheeky
5
Q
Narrowing
A
When a word meant several things, now its more specific e.g. meat was any kind of food until its current meaning developed in Middle English
6
Q
Strengthening
A
A word has a stronger meaning e.g. decimate
