What is semantics?
The meaning of words and how they relate to each other.
Semantics: The Wonderland of Word Meanings
Semantics is the study of the meaning of words, phrases or sentences. It examines how words relate to each other in language and how they convey meaning. This can include connotations, denotations, definitions, and even cultural contexts.
In creative writing, the nuances of words and their meanings can be the difference between a powerful story and a forgettable one. Knowing the connotations of words, their origins, and their cultural meanings allows writers to convey complex ideas in subtle ways. The English language is a rich tapestry of borrowed words, slang, and regional dialects, all of which contribute to the way we use language to communicate.
When editing your creative writing, paying attention to the semantics of your work can be a powerful tool. By choosing the right word or phrase, you can create a more impactful message or convey a deeper meaning, one that will help your readers connect with your story on a personal level.
Fitzgerald uses colors such as green, yellow, and blue to convey meaning in his novel, The Great Gatsby. Green, for example, represents wealth and envy, while blue represents the illusion of dreams and unreality.
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to create tension and irony within his play. When Romeo kills Tybalt, the audience knows that Romeo and Juliet's happiness is short-lived, but the characters in the play remain ignorant to the ultimate tragedy that will befall them.