What does "semantics" mean?
A branch of linguistics studying the meaning of words.
Semantics
/sɪˈmæntɪks/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A branch of linguistics studying the meaning of words.
- Grammar: semantics is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: bowwow theory, comparative linguistics, connotation, derivation.
- Useful contrasts: most programming language syntax, denotation, language syntax.
- Usage evidence: Prosody semantics is related to pragmatics.
How to use "semantics"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "semantics" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "semantics" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "semantics" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A branch of linguistics studying the meaning of words. countable, uncountable
"Holonym: linguistics"
- 2 the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or text wordnet
- 3 The study of the relationship between words and their meanings. countable, uncountable
"In fact, nowadays a lot is known about the semantics of natural languages, and it is surprisingly easy to build semantic representations which partially capture the meaning of sentences or even entire discourses."
- 4 the study of language meaning wordnet
- 5 The meaning or set of meanings of a linguistic element, such as a word, morpheme or utterance. countable, uncountable
"In very ancient or poorly documented languages, the precise semantics of words tend to be uncertain."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 The meaning or set of meanings of a linguistic element, such as a word, morpheme or utterance.; The meanings of individual words, as opposed to the overall meaning of a passage. countable, uncountable
"The semantics of the terms used are debatable."
- 7 The meaning of computer language constructs, in contrast to their form or syntax. countable, uncountable
"file sharing and locking semantics"
- 8 Pettiness or triviality. broadly, colloquial, countable, uncountable
"Who cares? This is all just semantics!"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Prosody semantics is related to pragmatics."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "semantics"?
Common synonyms include: bowwow theory, comparative linguistics, connotation, derivation, descriptive linguistics, dialectology.
How do you use "semantics" in a sentence?
Prosody semantics is related to pragmatics.
How do you pronounce "semantics"?
Pronounced /sɪˈmæntɪks/.
Etymology
From French sémantique, displacing earlier semasiology. From Ancient Greek σημαντικός (sēmantikós). By surface analysis, semantic + -ics.