semântica
1. The branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning. It deals with the relationship between words, phrases, signs and symbols and what they stand for.
The semantics of the sentence changed when we added the word 'not'.
A semântica da frase mudou quando adicionamos a palavra 'não'.
2. The meaning or interpretation of a word, sentence, or text.
There's a debate about the semantics of what 'freedom' really means.
Há um debate sobre a semântica do que 'liberdade' realmente significa.
3. In computing and programming, the meaning or interpretation of code instructions.
The semantics of this programming language requires careful study.
A semântica desta linguagem de programação requer estudo cuidadoso.
4. Often used colloquially to refer to arguing about the precise meaning of words rather than the main point.
Don't get caught up in semantics; we both understand what I meant.
Não se prenda à semântica; nós dois entendemos o que eu quis dizer.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'semantics' is frequently used in casual conversation to dismiss pedantic arguments about word meanings (e.g., 'That's just semantics'). In academic settings, particularly in linguistics departments in Brazil and the USA, semantics is a rigorous field of study. The term gained popularity in everyday speech during late 20th century debates and is now commonly used when people want to suggest that someone is making overly fine distinctions about meaning rather than addressing substantive issues.
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