Language

Definition of synonym

From the Latin synonymus, the term synonym is an adjective that is used to express that one word has the same or very similar meaning as another. Two words are synonyms, therefore, when they mean the same thing. The semantic relationship of identity or similarity of meanings is known as synonymy. It should be noted that the synonyms […]

Definition of semiotics

The theory that has signs as its object of interest is known as semiotics. This science is responsible for analyzing their presence in society, just like semiology. Both concepts are taken as synonyms by the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), although experts establish some differences. […]

Definition of semantics

Semantics comes from a Greek word that can be translated as "meaningful." It is about that belonging to or relative to the meaning of the words. By extension, the study of the meaning of linguistic signs and their combinations is known as semantics. Hence it is also necessary to refer to the existence of […]

Definition of sarcasm

Sarcasm is a term that comes from the Latin sarcasmus, although its most remote origin is in the Greek language. The etymology of the word refers to “cut or bite a piece of meat.” The concept refers to a cruel and biting mockery that offends or mistreats someone or something. That's why his […]

Definition of white

White is the spectrum in which all colors are present; In other words, it is the color of sunlight not broken down into the different shades of the spectrum. Some elements known with this tone are snow and cotton. Let's look at this term in context: «My grandfather always wore a white hat […]

Definition of polysemy

The first step before beginning to analyze the meaning of the term polysemy is to proceed to discover where its etymological origin is located. Thus, we have to know that it is found in Greek, which means that we can appreciate that this word is made up of three very clear parts: the […]

Definition of pejorative

Pejorative is a word or expression that indicates an unfavorable idea. The term comes from the verb peyorar, which refers to making or making something worse, according to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE). However, it is important to also establish the etymological origin of the word in question. […]

Definition of personification

Personification is the act and consequence of personifying. This verb has multiple uses: personify can be understood as attributing vitality or human characteristics to animals, plants or objects; carry out the representation of an individual, a system or event; or imitate a specific person within the framework of a […]

Definition of pattern

Guideline, from the Latin pacta (“pact”, “agreement”), is a term that allows reference to a model, example, regulation or rule. The guidelines, in this sense, are precepts to follow. For example: “This institution has guidelines that must be respected”, “The players continue not respecting the coach's guidelines on the field of play”, “To have […]

Definition of paradox

A paradox is a rhetorical figure that consists of the use of expressions that involve a contradiction. This means that, beyond the contradictory conditions, the factors presented are valid, real or plausible. The term comes from the Latin paradoxus (which, in turn, has its origin in the Greek language). For example: «It is […]