Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Semantics

Definition: 

Here are two senses for semantics:

  1. Semantics is, generally defined, the study of meaning of linguistic expressions.
  2. Semantics is, more narrowly defined, the study of the meaning of linguistic expressions apart from consideration of the effect that pragmatic factors, such as the following, have on the meaning of language in use:

    • Features of the context
    • Conventions of language use
    • The goals of the speaker
Source: 
136, 163–164

Glossary Hierarchy