Definition

Noun: 1. The branch of semantics that studies the cognitive aspects of meaning: Semasiology is the study of how words and signs develop and convey meaning, focusing on the relationship between a signifier (like a word or symbol) and its signified (the concept or object it represents). It examines meaning from the perspective of the linguistic sign itself.

Usage

Semasiology is a technical term used primarily in linguistics and lexicography. It contrasts with onomasiology, which starts from a concept and asks what words are used to express it. Semasiology starts from the word and asks what meanings it can convey.

Examples

• The professor's research in semasiology explores how the meaning of the word "awful" shifted from "inspiring awe" to "very bad."
• A semasiological analysis of the term "mouse" must account for both the small rodent and the computer device.
• The dictionary entry was compiled using semasiological principles, listing all the meanings associated with the headword.

Advanced Usage

• Semasiological change: Refers to the historical process by which the meaning of a word changes over time (e.g., semantic broadening, narrowing, or pejoration).
  • The semasiological change of "decimate" from "to kill one in ten" to "to destroy a large part of" is a classic example of semantic broadening.

Variants and Related Words

• Semasiological (adjective): Pertaining to semasiology.
  • The semasiological approach is fundamental to writing a descriptive dictionary.
• Onomasiology (noun): The branch of semantics that studies the variety of words or signs used to name a particular concept or object.

Synonyms

• Signifies (in a specific, historical linguistic context)
• Semantic analysis (in a general sense)

Notes on Different Meanings

The term semasiology is highly specialized and has only one core meaning within linguistics. It is not used in everyday language. In some older or very specific contexts, it may be used synonymously with semantics, but in modern linguistics, it is considered a sub-field of semantics.

Noun

1. the branch of semantics that studies the cognitive aspects of meaning