Semantic Change vocab Flashcards

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1
Q

Semantic change

A

Meanings changing, but the words stay the same

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2
Q

Amelioration

A

A word that takes on a different more positive meaning e.g. pretty - sly -> attractive ; priest - old man -> church leader

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3
Q

Pejoration

A

A word that takes on a different more negative meaning e.g. notorious - widely known -> infamous ; idiot - private citizen -> someone being stupid

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4
Q

Weakening

A

A word loses the strength of its original meaning e.g. soon - immediately -> in a short while

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5
Q

Narrowing

A

A word becomes more specific in its meaning e.g. meat - any food -> flesh of an animal ; wife - any woman -> married woman

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6
Q

Broadening

A

A word keeps its original meaning but gains other meanings too e.g. place - a broad street -> an area

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7
Q

Metaphor

A

A word acquires new meanings because it is used metaphorically e.g. bug, web

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8
Q

Euphemism

A

A way of describing something unpleasant in a more pleasant manner e.g. passed away, down-sizing

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9
Q

Idiom

A

An expression that can’t be understood literally e.g. pull your socks up, bull in a china shop

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10
Q

Metonym

A

A part of something is used to refer to the whole e.g. the crown = the Queen, Downing Street = Government

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11
Q

Taboo language

A

An expression or word that is considered taboo in certain contexts e.g. swear words, vulgar expressions, expletives

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