semantic

Everyday

1. Semantic means to do with the meanings of words and sentences. tree →
2. Semantics is the study of meaning in language. tree →
3. (informal) «Just semantics» means an argument only about which word to use, not about the real facts. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons, a semantic field is a group of words about one topic (e.g. war: battle, soldier, attack). In computing, «semantic search» finds results by meaning rather than exact words. Everyday arguments: «That is just semantics» means «we are arguing about words, not facts».

Examples

• Big, huge and giant are in the same semantic field. tree →
• The poem uses a semantic field of cold: ice, frost, shiver. tree →
• There is a semantic difference between borrow and steal. tree →
• Semantics is the study of meaning. tree →
• Whether you call it a bun or a roll is just semantics. tree →
• The computer uses semantic search to understand the question. tree →
• Our teacher showed us a semantic map of words about the sea. tree →

Note

Said «si-MAN-tik». «Semantics» ends in -s but is usually treated as singular: «semantics is interesting». Compare: grammar (how words are put together), semantics (what they mean), phonics (sounds).

In Jewish tradition

In English lessons, a semantic field is a group of words about one topic (e.g. war: battle, soldier, attack). In computing, «semantic search» finds results by meaning rather than exact words. Everyday arguments: «That is just semantics» means «we are arguing about words, not facts».

Examples

• I base it off an interpretation of the SY’s internal structure, the semantic properties of the root ספ״ר SPR, and the SY’s general grammatical inventiveness. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Said «si-MAN-tik». «Semantics» ends in -s but is usually treated as singular: «semantics is interesting». Compare: grammar (how words are put together), semantics (what they mean), phonics (sounds).