Definition

Adverb * In terms of meaning or semantic content: Relating to the meaning of words, phrases, or sentences, as opposed to their form, sound, or grammatical structure.

Usage

The adverb "semantically" is used to specify that a statement, analysis, or observation concerns the meaning or sense of language. It often modifies verbs like related, equivalent, empty, correct, or adjectives like similar, different.

Examples

• The words "big" and "large" are semantically similar.
• The sentence is grammatically correct but semantically nonsensical.
• These two sentences are semantically equivalent, even though their structures differ.
• The phrase "colorless green ideas" is semantically anomalous.

Advanced Usage

• Semantically related: Having a connection in meaning (e.g., and are semantically related).
• Semantically empty: Lacking meaningful content, often used for ceremonial or formulaic language.
  • The politician's speech was full of semantically empty phrases.
• Semantically motivated: Having a form that is influenced by or reflects its meaning.
  • The word "buzz" is semantically motivated because it sounds like the noise it describes.

Variants and Related Words

• Semantic (adjective): Pertaining to meaning.
  • There is a semantic difference between "house" and "home".
• Semantics (noun): The branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning.

Synonyms

• Meaning-wise
• In terms of meaning
• With regard to sense

Related Phrases

• Semantically speaking: Used to introduce a comment about meaning.
  • Semantically speaking, "purchase" and "buy" are virtually identical.

Adverb

1. with regard to meaning
   • semantically empty messages