Understanding Semantics: The Meaning Beyond Words

Semantic refers to the meaning of words, phrases, or symbols. It is concerned with the way in which language conveys meaning and how that meaning can be interpreted by the listener or reader. In other words, semantic is about understanding the meaning of language beyond just the words themselves.

For example, if someone says "I'm feeling blue today," the word "blue" has a semantic meaning that goes beyond its literal color definition. In this case, "blue" is being used to convey a sense of sadness or depression. So, the semantic meaning of the sentence is not just about the color blue, but also about the emotional state of the speaker.

Semantic is an important concept in linguistics and language teaching because it helps us understand how language works and how we can use language to communicate effectively. It also helps us to identify and correct any misunderstandings that may arise from the literal interpretation of words or phrases.