semantics.

Meaning in language, or the study of how linguistic expressions convey or represent meaning.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• lexical semantics
• semantic interpretation

On the page

Lexical semantics helped separate the related meanings of the word.

The dispute involved semantics because the parties assigned different meanings to the central expression.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Uncountable field noun ending in s; no ordinary number variation. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: language analysis, sense distinction, word formation analysis, precise reference. Disciplines: academic writing, linguistics, dictionary and usage analysis. Commonness: moderately common.