semasiology
/sɪˌmeɪziˈɑlədʒi/
noun
- The branch of linguistics that studies meaning in language, especially how meanings of words change over time.
- In her linguistics class, she learned about semasiology and how words evolve.
- Semasiology helps us understand why the word 'silly' once meant 'blessed'.
- A dictionary of historical semasiology would show how the meaning of 'gay' has shifted.
Synonyms