Sematics Flashcards
Semantic fields/domain
An area of meaning that is identified by a set of related lexical items. e.g - cooking: boil, chop, dice,
Inference
The additional information assumed by hearer/readers said/written and what is meant. Speakers and writers imply and hearer/readers infer.
Etymology
The study of the history of words and word origin.
Denotation
The agreed upon, codified, dictionary definition of a word
E.g - ‘CHEAP’ - low in cost
Connotation
The meaning associated with a word E.g - 'CHEAP' - low in value, class or respect
Broadening
When lexemes widen its meaning.
E.g - ‘COOL’ - low in temperature
or
preferable, impressive
Narrowing
When a word means less than it once did because that meaning becomes more specific. E.g - ‘meat’
Elevation
When a lexeme takes on a more positive meaning than it once had. E.g - ‘pretty’
Deterioration
When a lexeme takes on a more negative meaning than it once had. E.g - ‘villain’
Shift
When a lexeme takes on a new meaning and loses its original meaning. E.g - ‘cleanskin’
What is Sematic change?
The process of which the meaning of words change.
