noun
semantics
sih-MAN-tihks
noun
1
The branch of linguistics concerned with meaning in language.
"Her thesis looked at the semantics of modal verbs in English."
2
Informally, the fine distinctions or technicalities of wording in an argument, often used dismissively.
"That's just semantics — you know what I meant."
How to Use Semantics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe study of what words and sentences actually mean, or loosely, arguing over word choice rather than substance.
Common mistake
When someone says "that's just semantics," they mean the disagreement is about wording, not the underlying facts.
Common pairings
a matter of semantics
the semantics of a word
Word Forms
semantics plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “semantics”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her thesis looked at the _____ of modal verbs in English.
Etymology
From French sémantique, built from Ancient Greek sēmantikos, "significant," ultimately from sēma, "sign."