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semantics

noun

/sɪˈmantɪks/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of semantics

The branch of linguistics that deals with the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences in a language.
"He was criticized for playing with semantics to avoid answering the question."

Detailed meaning of semantics

It is the study of how meaning is created and conveyed through language. It examines the relationships between words, phrases, and sentences and how they relate to the context in which they are used.

Semantics also deals with the interpretation of meaning, and how it can change depending on the context or the way it's said.
It can also include the study of figurative language, such as idioms and metaphors, and how they affect meaning.

Semantics is a key component of understanding language and communication, as it helps to explain how words and phrases are used to convey meaning and convey intent. It is also used to analyze and interpret texts, and to understand the meaning behind the words and the context in which they are used.

Understanding semantics is essential for effective communication, translation, language teaching and learning, and for the development of natural language processing applications.

Example sentences containing semantics

1. Semantics plays a crucial role in understanding language nuances.
2. The study of semantics reveals how words convey meaning.
3. The professor specializes in the field of computational semantics.
4. Misunderstandings often arise from differences in semantics.
5. Semantics helps us decode the layers of meaning in poetry.
6. Understanding the semantics of slang can be challenging.

History and etymology of semantics

The noun 'semantics' has its origins in Greek, specifically from the word 'semantikos,' derived from 'semantos,' meaning 'significant' or 'indicative.' 'Semantics' is the branch of linguistics that deals with the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences in a language, focusing on how language conveys meaning and how words and symbols relate to the concepts they represent. The term 'semantics' reflects its Greek roots by emphasizing the significance and indication conveyed through language. Its etymology underscores its pivotal role in understanding the profound connections between words, their meanings, and the ideas they encapsulate within the realm of linguistics.

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Further usage examples of semantics

1. Semantics explores the relationship between words and concepts.
2. The seminar focused on the semantics of legal terminology.
3. Her research delves deep into the semantics of ancient texts.
4. Semantics is a fundamental aspect of linguistic analysis.
5. They discussed the semantics of metaphors in literature.
6. Learning a foreign language involves grasping its semantics.
7. The debate revolved around the semantics of the contract.
8. The course covers the semantics of programming languages.
9. Semantics bridges the gap between language and cognition.
10. The ambiguity in his statement arose from poor semantics.
11. The book explores the semantics of cultural expressions.
12. Semantic changes in words can reveal shifts in society.
13. His dissertation examines the semantics of humor in language.
14. Semantics is a fascinating field at the intersection of language and meaning.
15. The debate was mostly about semantics, with both sides arguing over the meaning of words.
16. The advertisers played around with semantics to create a slogan customers would respond to.
17. She was an expert in semantics and able to analyze language with precision.
18. He was interested in semantics and how it can influence people's perceptions.
19. She was good at playing with semantics to make her argument sound more convincing.
20. The group's discussion was focused on semantics and how it can shape meaning.
21. She was a master of semantics and able to use language to her advantage.
22. The politician's speeches were analyzed for their use of semantics and its effects on the audience.
23. He was interested in the semantics of programming languages and how it can affect the code's functionality.
24. She was considered a genius at semantics and able to understand the nuances of language.
25. The company's legal team was skilled in semantics and able to use it to their advantage in court.
26. The company's press release was criticized for playing with semantics to avoid responsibility.