Semantics - A-Level Language Terms

Refers to a word with a broad coverage of meaning. For example, tree can refer to oaks, beeches, willows etc. Also called the superordinate.

• hyponym

• hypernym

• homonym

• synonym

Refers to the more specific elements ‘under’ a ______ For example, if the ________ was red, then crimson, scarlet and vermillion would be _________.

• homonym

• metonym

• hyponym

• antonym

Refers to a word that has the same form but two different meanings. For example, the word reserved can mean someone who is shy as well as the act of holding a room, table or place for someone.

• homonym

• hypernym

• antonym

• connotation

Refers to a word with a similar meaning as another. For example, huge and massive are considered _________ of big.

• antonym

• synonym

• metonym

• hypernym

Refers to a word with the opposite meaning to another. For example,

hot is an _______ of cold.

• antonym

• synonym

• hyponym

• hypernym

Refers to the use of an attribute to refer to the thing or concept. For

example, if a newspaper reported, ‘The word from Number 10 is...’

they are using the address of the Prime Minister as a metonym for the government.

• metonym

• anytonym

• hypernym

• hyponym

Where the meaning of a word becomes more positive over time. For example, cool simply referred to a temperature but now is seen as a positive adjective describing something that is on trend or good

• semantic change - pejoration

• semantic change - amelioration

• semantic change - broadening/expansion

• semantic change - narrowing/specialisation

Where the meaning of a word becomes less positive

over time. For example, the word villain simply referred to someone

of low class and lived in the country, drawn from a synonym for

villager. However, over time the word has become associated with

evil and cruel actions

• semantic change - pejoration

• semantic change - broadening/expansion

• semantic change - bleaching/weakening

• semantic change - narrowing/specialisation

Where the original meaning of a word expands to encompass more ideas. 

For example, the word holiday is derived from holy day, a time when people would stop work and observe religious practices. It has _________ to refer to any break from work or other occupation.

• semantic change - amelioration

• semantic change - pejoration

• semantic change - broadening/expansion

• semantic change - bleaching/weakening

Where the original meaning of a word was much broader but has become more precise over time.

For example, the word deer is derived from an Old English word

that simply meant small creatures. It has _________ to refer to a

specific type of creature

• semantic change - narrowing/specialisation

• semantic change - pejoration

• semantic change - broadening/expansion

• semantic change - bleaching/weakening