Semantics

Question 1

What are semantics?

Answer 1

Relates to the meaning of words

Question 2

What is denotation?

Answer 2

The literal meaning of the word
eg “chair” relates to a wooden piece of furniture with a seat and 4 legs

Question 3

What does connotation mean?

Answer 3

Additional or implied meanings
eg “home” may have connotations of security and warmth

Question 4

What is meant by ‘semantic field’?

Answer 4

Words that share a very general area of meaning
eg “goal”, “penalty”, “ball” are all in the semantic field of football

Question 5

What is figurative language?

Answer 5

The use of non literal words or phrases to create further meaning:
- metaphors
- similes
- personification
- pathetic fallacy
- oxymoron
- zoomorphism
- idioms
- euphemisms

Question 6

What is an idiom?

Answer 6

Words that are placed together and acquire a meaning not related to their parts
E.g it’s raining cats and dogs

Question 7

What are euphemisms?

Answer 7

Allows you to say something unpleasant, to soften the effects