Semantic language change

Question 1

Amelioration

Answer 1

A word takes on a more positive meaning than previous

Question 2

What is an example of amelioration?

Answer 2

Pretty - sly
Pretty - attractive

Question 3

Pejoration

Answer 3

A word takes on a more negative meaning than previously had

Question 4

What is an example of pejoration?

Answer 4

idiot - private citizen
idiot - stupid person

Question 5

Weakening

Answer 5

When a word loses the strength of its original meaning

Question 6

What is an example of weakening?

Answer 6

Soon - immediately
Soon - in a short while

Question 7

Narrowing

Answer 7

When a word becomes more specific in its meaning

Question 8

What is an example of narrowing?

Answer 8

meat - any food
meat - flesh of an animal

Question 9

Broadening

Answer 9

When a word keeps its original meaning but acquires other meanings also

Question 10

What is an example of broadening?

Answer 10

Place - a broad street
Place - an area

Question 11

Metaphor

Answer 11

A word acquires a new meaning because it can be used metaphorically

Question 12

Euphemism

Answer 12

A way of describing something unpleasant in a more pleasant manner

Question 13

What is an example of a euphemism?

Answer 13

passed away - died

Question 14

Idiom

Answer 14

A speech form that can’t be understood literally from the meaning

Question 15

What is an example of an idiom?

Answer 15

bull in a china shop - clumsy