Meaning & Definition of word "Semantics"

Semantics

/sɪˈmæn.tɪks/

1. The branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning.
- Example: The semantics of a sentence determines its logical structure.
2. Meaning or the study of meaning in language.
- Example: In our discussion, we focused on the semantics of the term 'freedom'.
3. The meaning of a word, phrase, or text.
- Example: She pointed out the semantics of the legal terms used in the contract.
4. The implications or nuances of a particular term or phrase.
- Example: The semantics of his argument changed once he clarified his definitions.

Derived from the Greek 'semantikos', meaning 'significant'.

semantic meaning:

The interpretation or significance of a term within a specific context.

semantic network:

A representation of knowledge in a network format, where concepts are connected by relationships.

semantic memory:

The part of long-term memory that processes ideas and concepts that are not drawn from personal experience.

syntax:

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

morphology:

The study of the form of words and their components.

pragmatics:

The branch of linguistics that deals with language in use and the contexts in which it is used.

Meaning: Overly analyzing the meaning of something.

Example Sentence: We were just arguing about semantics, it wasn’t that serious.

Meaning: Arguing over trivial details of meaning.

Example Sentence: Stop playing semantics and get to the point!