2006-07-06 16:59:53 · 2 answers · asked by rudy 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Semantics is pretty much the meaning of a word, phrase or text. As far as euphemisms, they are words that are used to indirectly mean a harsher action, a way to soften a blow. For example instead of saying we are going to "fire" people you would say we are going to be "downsizing". Instead of saying you are "awful" you might say you need "practice". The use of awful in this last sentence would be an example of semantics, since some would argue that there are better words than "awful" to be used in this context. If you really want a more detail definintion I suggest wikipedia.com
2006-07-06 17:12:22 · answer #1 · answered by IILoco 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Semantics:
1)The study or science of meaning in language.
2)The study of relationships between signs and symbols and what they represent. Also called semasiology.
3)The meaning or the interpretation of a word, sentence, or other language form e.g We're basically agreed; let's not quibble over semantics
Euphemism:
The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.
e.g Instead of saying someone has died saying that they have "gone to a better place"
2006-07-11 00:05:50 · answer #2 · answered by pearly_wings 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋