What is a semantic component?

Definition
	A semantic component is a potentially contrastive part of the meaning of a lexical unit.

Example
	The focal semantic component of execute is “put to death”.

Kinds

Here is a table that describes some kinds of semantic components:

Semantic Component

Description

Example

Contrastive

Also known as:

diagnostic, distinctive, essential

Distinguishes one lexical unit from another

“Male” is the contrastive semantic component distinguishing man from woman, and boy from girl.

Shared

Also known as:

common

Occurs in each member of a group of lexical units

“Human” is a shared component for man, woman, boy, and girl.

Concept module: semantic component
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): S
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004