semantics
Semantics is what words or signs mean, not just how they are arranged.
the meaning and interpretation of words, phrases, sentences, signs, or other forms of communication.
Semantics is an academic subject that studies meaning.
the branch of linguistics, philosophy, and logic that studies how meaning is created, represented, and understood.
Semantics can mean a difference in words or labels, not necessarily a difference in real facts.
distinctions in wording, labels, or definitions, especially when people are deciding whether the difference matters in practice.
In computing, semantics is what a piece of code is supposed to do.
the defined meaning, behavior, or effect of a programming language construct, command, data structure, or formal system.
- Base: semantics
- Plural: semantics
a matter of semantics
1issue of wording or definition
The issue depends on what the words mean.
- Whether the app is a tool or a platform is partly a matter of semantics.
- In a scientific report, that distinction is more than a matter of semantics.
- Some people think the debate is only a matter of semantics.
- The difference is a matter of semantics.
argue over semantics
1debate exact wording
To argue about the exact words or meanings, not about the main problem.
- The lawyers argued over semantics for most of the morning.
- We shouldn't argue over semantics when the deadline is tomorrow.
- They were arguing over semantics instead of fixing the problem.
- They argued over semantics for an hour.
formal semantics
1logical study of meaning
Formal semantics studies meaning using logic or mathematical rules.
- Her paper uses formal semantics to analyze tense.
- Formal semantics often represents sentence meaning with logic.
- The course introduces formal semantics before moving on to pragmatics.
- Formal semantics uses logic to study meaning.
just semantics
1only wording, not substance
The words are different, but the real meaning or result is the same.
- Whether you call it a discount or a rebate is just semantics to most shoppers.
- He said the difference between a guideline and a recommendation was just semantics.
- At this point, arguing about the title is just semantics.
- The names are different, but it is just semantics.
lexical semantics
1study of word meanings
Lexical semantics studies word meanings.
- Lexical semantics looks at relations such as synonymy and antonymy.
- The course covers syntax, phonology, and lexical semantics.
- Her research in lexical semantics focuses on how verbs express motion.
- Lexical semantics studies word meanings.
not just semantics
1wording with real consequences
The word choice matters because it changes the meaning, result, or effect.
- The difference between “may” and “must” in the policy is not just semantics.
- For disabled users, calling a feature “optional” is not just semantics.
- The label on the product is not just semantics; it affects how it is regulated.
- This is not just semantics; it changes the rule.
semantics aside
1ignoring wording questions
Leaving the exact words aside, this is the main point.
- Semantics aside, the proposal would still increase costs.
- Semantics aside, we need to tell customers what changed.
- Semantics aside, both versions of the plan require the same budget.
- Semantics aside, the price is higher.