Idiom In Semantic

IDIOM

Idiom Definition

An idiom (also called idiomatic expression) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning conventionally understood by native speakers. This meaning is different from the literal meaning of the idiom's individual elements. In other words, idioms don't mean exactly what the words say. They have, however, hidden meaning.

Functions of Idiom

Writers and public speakers use idioms generously. The purpose behind this vast use of idioms is to ornate their language, make it richer and spicier and help them in conveying subtle meanings to their intended audience.
Not only do idioms help in making the language beautiful, they also make things better or worse through making the expression good or bad.

Examples of Idiom

As stated above, there are many thousands of idiom examples in English. Many of these we use every day. Here are some common idioms:

• It costs an arm and a leg. = It’s expensive.
• You’re barking up the wrong tree. = You’re making a mistake by trying to achieve something in the wrong way.
• You should bite your tongue. = You should be quiet.

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Proverb

 Definition of Proverb

Proverb is a brief, simple and popular saying, or a phrase that gives advice and effectively embodies a commonplace truth based on practical experience or common sense. 

Use of Popular Proverbs in Everyday Speech

• Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
• Laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone.
• Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Function of Proverb

The most important function of proverbs is to teach and educate the audience. They often contain an expert advice with a role for educating the readers on what they may face if they would do something. Hence, proverbs play a didactic role, as they play a universal role in teaching wisdom and sagacity to the common people. Since proverbs are usually metaphorical and indirect; therefore, they allow writers to express their message in a less harsh way.

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homonyms, homophones & homographs

homonyms  homophones  homographs

A. Homonyms, or multiple meaning words,

are words that share the same spelling and the same pronunciation but have different meanings.

For example, bear.

A bear (the animal) can bear (tolerate) very cold temperatures.
The driver turned left (opposite of right) and left (departed from) the main road.

B. Homophones,  also known as sound alike words,

are words that are pronounced identically although they have different spellings and meanings. These words are a very common source of confusion when writing. Common examples of sets of homophones include: to, too, and two; they're and their; bee and be; sun and son; which and witch; and plain and plane. Vocabulary Spelling City is a particularly useful tool for learning to correctly use and spell the sound alike words.

C. Homographs

 are words that are spelled the same, but have different meanings and different pronunciations.

Some examples of homographs are:
1.  bass as in fish vs bass as in music,
2. bow as in arrow vs bow as in bending or taking a bow at the end of a performance,
3. close as in next to vs close as in shut the door,
4. desert as in dry climate vs desert as in leaving alone.

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Polysemy In Semantic

 Definition Polysemy

Polysemy is the existence of several meanings for a single word or phrase. In other words it is the capacity for a word, phrase, or sign to have multiple meanings i.e., a large semantic field. Polysemy is a pivotal concept within the humanities, such as media studies and linguistics.

Example of  Polysemy

a. A word like walk example :I  went walking this morning

b. Man example : The human species (i.e., man vs. animal)

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Hyperbole In Semantic

Definition Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figure of speech, which involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.

Therefore, a hyperbole is an unreal exaggeration to emphasize the real situation. Some other common Hyperbole examples are given below.

Examples of Hyperbole

1. My grandmother is as old as the hills.
2. Your suitcase weighs a ton!
3. She is as heavy as an elephant!
4. I am dying of shame.
5. I am trying to solve a million issues these days.

It is important not to confuse hyperbole with simile and metaphor. It does make a comparison but unlike simile and metaphor, hyperbole has a humorous effect created by an overstatement.

Function of Hyperbole

In our daily conversation, we use hyperbole to emphasize for an amusing effect. However,  When one thing is described with an over-statement and the other thing is presented normally, a striking contrast is developed. This technique is employed to catch the reader’s attention.

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