Semantics - decoding meanings Flashcards
Semantics
The study of how the meanings of words and expressions are created and interpreted.
Denotation
The literal meanings of words.
Connotation
The associated meanings of words.
Antonym
Words which mean opposite things.
Synonym
Words which mean the same thing.
Literal language
Language which uses the actual meanings of words.
Semantic field
A group of words which have similar connotations, or which are part of the same theme.
Figurative language
Language that is used in a non-literal way to create images and form comparisons.
Simile
A direct comparison through the use of “like” or “as”.
Metaphor
A structure that presents one thing in terms of another.
Zoomorphism
Giving animal qualities, characteristics or behaviour to a human.
Anthropomorphism
Giving human qualities, characteristics or behaviour to an animal or object (a type of personification).
Collocation
Routinely placing words or phrases together.
Collocation - examples
A hard frost.
Home and dry.
Cliche
A saying or remark that has been used so much it’s not original or interesting.
Cliche - example
Useless as a chocolate fireguard.
Idiom - examples
Over the moon.
I’m all ears.
Idiom
An expression where the meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements.
Euphemism
Using a more socially acceptable word or phrase.
Euphemism - example
Passed away.
Dysphemism
Using a blunt or direct word instead of a more polite or indirect alternative.
Hyperbole
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Rhetorical language
Language that is used to persuade.
Logos
One of the three Aristotelian modes of persuasion - it appeals to an audience’s sense of logic or reason.
Logos - examples
Data.
Facts.
Statistics.
Surveys.
Pathos
One of the three Aristotelian modes of persuasion - it appeals to the audience’s emotions.
Pathos - examples
Personal story.
Powerful image.
Ethos
One of the three Aristotelian modes of persuasion - it appeals to the audience based on the speaker’s authority.
Ethos - example
Referencing their experience, moral character, clear reasoning, good intentions.
Verbal irony
Conveying a meaning which is the opposite of the literal meaning.
Verbal irony - example
“Isn’t it a lovely day?” when it’s raining.
Anaphora
The deliberate repetition of the first part of a clause / sentence.
Anaphora - example
We shall not flag or fail.
We shall go on to the end.
We shall fight in France.
Epistrophe
The deliberate repetition of the last part of a clause / sentence.
Epistrophe - example
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child.
Symploce
The deliberate repetition of both the first and last part of a clause / sentence.
Symploce - example
We will make America strong again.
We will make America wealthy again.
We will make America proud again.
Epizeuxis
Repetition of a single word, with no other words in between.
Epizeuxis - example
Location, location, location.
