Semantics Flashcards
Semantic Fields
a lexical set of semantically related items,
Eating utensils
spoon, fork, knife
Irony
the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action which it is not literally applicable.
Oxymoron
A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear together.
Cruel Kindness
Simile
A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind. Used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.
Brave as a lion
Personification
The attribution of human characteristics to something non human.
The stars danced playfully in the night sky
Animation
conversion from the inanimate to animate grammatical category. Animacy is the expression of how sentient or alive the noun is.
HE, SHE animated
IT inanimate
Puns
A humorous exploit involving the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings.
He became a math teacher due to some prime factors.
Lexical Ambiguity
The presence of two or more possible meanings within a single word. Similar to hyponymy.
The Rabbi married my sister
Idiom
a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words
over the moon, see the light
Denotation
The dictionary definition
Connotation
The associated meaning/s
Euphemism
Substituting a harsh or offensive term with a mild or indirect one.
Shit that’s scary!
Crud that’s scary!
Disphemism
Substituting a mild or indirect term with a harsh or offensive one.
Very Good job!
Bloody good job!
