Simple Illustration of Semantics

The Study of meaning of words, semantics, focuses on relationships between symbols, words and other communicationforms and how they interact.

Semantics can be briefly defined as the study of meaning of words. It focuses on the relationship between words, symbols and all other forms of communication and the way these words interact with their meaning. There are many different forms of semantics, from the study of the way people express themselves through language to the way that computers are programmed.

At the core of each of these branches, semantics remains the study of meaning. Understanding the definition of potency pills is one way to expand your understanding of semantics. The word "potency" means many different things, including the effectiveness of a drug, virility and even the strength of a particular drink or food. Semantically, one can discard the strength of drinks or food due to the word "pills". And one can also eliminate the idea that "potency pills" refer to the measurement of the potency of medicine. It makes little sense, semantically.

Logically and semantically, potency pills refer to virility medicines, such as viagra or cialis. Briefly consider any argument you may have had with a friend or loved one recently. Consider the language you used during the argument.

For example, a friend of yours is arguing that Brett Farve was the best quarterback of all time.

He is defin­ing the phrase "best quarterback" as the quarterback who won the most games and completed the most passes. However, you don't define this phrase in the same way. Instead, define "best quarterback" as the quarterback that has made the fewest mistakes. You point out that Farve holds the records for most interceptions thrown. You may argue back and forth for hours because you hold a different semantic meaning of the phrase "best quarterback".

According to the semantic understanding you and your friend have placed on the phrase "best quarterback" you are essentially both correct in your argument that Farve is and is not the best quarterback of all time.

Semantics is a science that is mastered by people in public offices. Politicians often use semantics to their advantage. A major example of this was during Bill Clinton's impeachment trial. He maintained that he did not have sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky. He was using the definition of "sexual relations" as intercourse and ignoring the fact that sexual relations could also refer to other sexual acts. In this way, he felt he could testify that he had not had sexual relations without committing perjury.

Understanding the way semantics drives our communication can help you express yourself better, win arguments or simply avoid arguments all together. Next time you find yourself in a serious, nearly impossible to decide argument, stop and apply semantics to the terms you are arguing.


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