What does 'semantic change' refer to?

Prepare for the VCE English Language Test. Study with questions that include hints and explanations. Gain confidence for your exam!

Semantic change refers to the evolution of word meanings over time, encompassing various processes that can alter how we understand specific terms. This can happen through processes such as broadening (where a word's meaning becomes more inclusive), narrowing (where a word's meaning becomes more specific), amelioration (where a word takes on a more positive connotation), or pejoration (where a word acquires a more negative meaning).

Understanding semantic change is crucial because it reflects shifts in culture, society, and usage, showing how language evolves to meet the needs of its speakers. The other options focus on different aspects of language development, such as spelling, pronunciation, and grammatical structure, which do not pertain directly to the changes in word meaning that define semantic change.

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