Semantics - change Flashcards
Semantic change
The evolution of word usage - either through a shift in meaning or the creation of new words.
Etymology
The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed.
Archaic language
Old fashioned language which isn’t typically used any more.
Amelioration
A process where a word or phrase develops more positive connotations.
Amelioration - example
Nice - used to mean foolish / silly.
Pejoration
A process where a word or phrase develops more negative connotations.
Pejoration - example
Cunning - used to mean knowledgeable.
Broadening
A type of semantic change where the meaning of a word becomes broader or more inclusive.
Broadening - example
Cookie.
Narrowing
A type of semantic change where the meaning of a word becomes narrower or less inclusive.
Narrowing - example
Meat - used to mean food in general.
Semantic reclamation
Where a word which has previously carried negative connotations is reclaimed by the community it was used against.
Semantic reclamation - example
Gay.
Neologism
New words that enter a language.
Neologism - example
Transgender.
Acronym
An abbreviation consisting of initial letters which then create a new word.
Acronym - example
Scuba - Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.
Initialism
An abbreviation consisting of initial letters pronounced separately.
Initialism - example
FBI.
Eponym
A person after whom a discover, invention, place, book etc, is named.
Eponym - examples
Hamilton.
Louis Braille.
Compound word
A word which is caused by two or more full words being joined together.
Compound word - example
Rainbow.
Blended word
Where two or more words are joined together but parts are omitted.
Blended word - example
Skirt + short = skort.
Truncation
Shortening a polysyllabic word by deleting one or more syllables.
Truncation - example
Deli - delicatessen.
Affixation
When an affix is added to create a new word.
Affixation - example
CelebraTION.
Back-formation
When an affix is removed to create a new word.
Back-formation - example
Enthusiast (n) becomes to enthuse (v).
Functional shift
Where word classes of existing words are altered, and it is most commonly seen through verbing words.
Functional shift - example
Empty (adj) becomes to empty (v).
Loan word
A word adopted from a foreign language.
Loan word - examples
Cafe.
Croissant.
Recast neologism
Where an existing words gains a completely new meaning.
Recast neologism - example
Cookies.
File.
