Multi-meanings Same Word

Variety of meanings and shades We can see through transparent objects. You cannot see through wood. She is looking through the book. They walked through the wood. She is working through the night.

Semantic phenomena are rule- governed, i.e. systematic. Semantics is the study of linguistic meaning; that is, the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences. Unlike pragmatics, semantics is part of grammar proper, the study of internal structure of language. (other areas of grammar are syntax, morphology, and phonology.) unfortunately, because semantics is the most poorly understood component of grammar, it can be one of the most difficult areas of linguistics to study.

hide / conceal The fact is that no one has yet developed a comprehensive, authoritative theory of linguistic meaning. Nonetheless, we can discuss some of the phenomena that have been studied within the domain of semantics and some of the theories that have been developed to explain them. It is important to keep in mind, however, that much of what follows is tentative and subject to debate.

Theories are Tentative A partial theory is designed to account for an observation. It may eventually be replaced by other theories, but it is the best we have, given the present state of the art. Conditional Unsettled Doubtful Probationary Provisory Provisionary Provisional

Speed earns time. Speed saves time. Speed limit enforced by radar. What’s your date’s name, please? What date he comes? Does you date love dates? Her date does not stop talking. Jimmy dates regularly.

hide / conceal / multi-reference Muslim women hide their faces. Monica believes she is a genius. The word hide can mean the same thing as conceal, but the latter does not stand for the former all the time. Hide is the dressed skin of a large animal. She dressed up as a bride. Monica believes herself is a genius. Treated Clothed