semantics
semantics Lexical Profile
semantics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The meaning or interpretation of a word, sign, sentence, or other symbol, especially when contrasted with practical reality or viewed as trivial hair-splitting.
"Whether we call the policy a fee or a tax is just a matter of semantics to the people paying it."
The branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning in language.
"Her doctoral dissertation in semantics explores how context alters the interpretation of modal verbs."
The formal specification of the meaning and behavior of a programming language's constructs, as opposed to its syntax.
"Although the code had valid syntax, a flaw in its semantics caused the program to return the wrong calculation."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the academic field of study, "semantics" is treated as a singular uncountable noun and takes a singular verb (e.g., "Semantics is a core branch of linguistics"). When referring to the subtle meanings or interpretations of words in a debate, it can take either a singular or plural verb.
• Rhymes for semantics
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century from French sémantique, which was coined by linguist Michel Bréal from Ancient Greek sēmantikos ("significant"), ultimately from sēma ("sign, mark, token").