Semantics
Semantics is the branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, phrases,
sentences, and texts in a language. It focuses on understanding how meaning is
constructed, interpreted, and communicated.
Key Aspects of Semantics:
1. Lexical Semantics:
Deals with the meaning of individual words and their relationships.
Examples: Synonyms (words with similar meanings), antonyms (opposites), and homonyms
(words with the same spelling or pronunciation but different meanings).
2. Phrasal and Sentential Semantics:
Focuses on the meaning of phrases and sentences.
Example: Understanding how word order and grammar affect meaning (e.g., "The dog
chased the cat" vs. "The cat chased the dog").
3. Compositional Semantics:
Explores how individual word meanings combine to form the meaning of larger expressions.
4. Pragmatics and Context:
While semantics focuses on literal meanings, understanding often requires context and
pragmatics (the study of language use).
Example of Semantic Analysis:
Sentence: "I saw the bat."
Semantic ambiguity arises because "bat" could mean an animal or a sports tool. The
meaning depends on context.
Semantics plays a crucial role in language comprehension, natural language processing,
and effective communication.
