semantic
UK: sɪˈmæntɪk | US: sɪˈmæntɪk
adj. relating to meaning in language or logic
adj. concerning the interpretation of signs or symbols
semant<meaning> + ic<adjective suffix>
- semant: Derived from Greek sēmantikos ("significant"), from sēma ("sign, mark").
- ic: A suffix forming adjectives, often from Greek or Latin roots, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word "semantic" traces back to Greek sēmantikos, which itself comes from sēma ("sign"). The term evolved through French sémantique before entering English in the late 19th century. It originally referred to the study of meaning in language, later expanding to logic and symbol interpretation. The morpheme semant preserves the core idea of "meaning," while -ic marks its adjectival function.
The semantic differences between these two words are subtle but important.
Linguists analyze semantic shifts over time.
The debate focused on the semantic interpretation of the legal text.
Programming languages require precise semantic rules.
Her research explores semantic networks in cognitive science.