Some Directions of Semantic Change

  • Due Sep 16, 2020 at 11:59pm
  • Points 14
  • Questions 14
  • Time Limit None

Instructions

Some Directions of Semantic Change

It's no surprise that the meaning of words change over time. The changes are not random, but generally follow regular patterns that can be identified. After studying the table below,  apply what you learn to the following questions.

In a separate window, open up the OED or another reliable dictionary to check the earlier meaning or connotations that have undergone change in the intervening centuries. Then select the direction of change.

NAME OF CHANGE EXAMPLE   OLD DEFINITION DIRECTION
OF CHANGE
SPECIALIZATION deer once meant wild animal, game animal more specific, a narrowing of the semantic range
GENERALIZATION thing once meant legal matter more general, a broadening of the semantic range
PEJORATION silly once meant happy, simple, innocent worsening
of the social connotations
AMELIORATION knight once meant boy bettering
of the social connotations

 

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