Semantics

Question 1

What is semantic change?

Answer 1

When we get new meanings for words

Question 2

What are the 8 semantic change processes? (Broad StaB New Act Pay Man My Earn)

Answer 2

Broadening Semantic Bleaching Narrowing Amelioration Pejoration Metaphor Metonymy Euphemism

Question 3

What is Broadening with an example?

Answer 3

When a words meaning expands. “Dog” used to only mean one type of dog breed

Question 4

What is semantic bleaching with an example?

Answer 4

Word taking on a less intense meaning “Awesome” used to make you filled with awe, but now just means great

Question 5

What is Narrowing with 2 examples?

Answer 5

A word which has its meaning narrowed “Wife” used to mean woman, now married woman “Girl” used to mean young person but now means young female

Question 6

What is Amelioration with an example?

Answer 6

When a words meaning takes on more positive connotations “Queen” used to refer to a woman but now means female monarch

Question 7

What is Pejoration with an example?

Answer 7

A words meaning becomes more negative “Villian” used to mean a farm worker but now suggests doing illegal things

Question 8

What is another name for Pejoration?

Answer 8

Semantic Derrogation

Question 9

What is a metaphor becoming commonly used with examples?

Answer 9

When we use metaphors without thinking about it “Head” refers to what’s at the top of your neck but now also means people in high positions

Question 10

What is Metonymy with an example?

Answer 10

Only a part of a phrase is use to represent the whole thing “The crown” refers to the monarch

Question 11

What are euphemisms with examples?

Answer 11

Terms or phrases created to avoid talking about taboo subjects “Theyre sleeping with each other” is one example