Definition of "semantics" in English

noun

1. (linguistics) A branch of linguistics studying the meaning of words.

   • Holonym: linguistics
   • Meronyms: semasiology, onomasiology
   • lexical semantics
   • cognitive semantics
   • computational semantics
   • historical semantics
   • Semantics is a foundation of lexicography.

2. The study of the relationship between words and their meanings.

3. The meaning or set of meanings of a linguistic element, such as a word, morpheme or utterance.

   • In very ancient or poorly documented languages, the precise semantics of words tend to be uncertain.

4. (computer science) The meaning of computer language constructs, in contrast to their form or syntax.

   • file sharing and locking semantics

5. (loosely, colloquial, of a detail or distinction) Pettiness or triviality.

   • Who cares? This is all just semantics!