Semantic Change (AQA A-Level English Language): Flashcards
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Practise the cards
10 cards from this deck
Semantic change
Semantic change
Meanings of words evolve over time
Amelioration
Amelioration
Word's connotations become increasingly positive over time
Pejoration
Pejoration
Word's connotations become more negative over time
Semantic broadening (generalisation)
Semantic broadening (generalisation)
Word expands to encompass wider range of meanings
Semantic narrowing (specialisation)
Semantic narrowing (specialisation)
Word's meaning becomes more specific and restricted
Semantic shift
Semantic shift
Word changes meaning completely with no logical connection
Example of amelioration
Example of amelioration
Knight: servant → noble person with honour
Example of pejoration
Example of pejoration
Villain: farm worker → wicked person
Metaphorical change
Metaphorical change
Word applied to create analogy/comparison, becomes new meaning
Metonymic change
Metonymic change
Related concept stands in for original meaning