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Semantic erosion
/səmˈantɪk ɪɹˈəʊʒən/
/səmˈæntɪk ɪɹˈoʊʒən/Semantic erosion
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semantische erosie, afzwakking van betekenis
the process whereby the original meaning or intensity of a word or expression becomes progressively weakened or diluted over time, resulting in a broader, less specific, or less potent semantic range
What is "semantic erosion"?
Semantic erosion is a linguistic process in which the meaning of a word becomes less specific or less intense over time. This often occurs as words are used more broadly in everyday language, leading to a gradual weakening of their original meanings. For example, the word "silly" originally meant "happy" or "fortunate," but over time, it has come to mean "foolish" or "lacking in good sense." Semantic erosion can result from changes in social attitudes, cultural shifts, or the influence of colloquial usage, contributing to the dynamic nature of language and the way meanings evolve in response to changing contexts.
semantic erosion
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