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GRE vocabulary

semantic

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore S words

relating to meaning in language or logic

Word origin: From Greek semantikos, significant or denoting.

In a sentence

Semantic in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing semantic in a sentence.

The two sides argued over a semantic distinction that had significant legal implications.

Their disagreement turned out to be merely semantic, since both sides actually favored the same policy.

Synonyms
linguisticinterpretivedenotativeconnotative
Antonyms

None listed.

Usage & nuance

Using “semantic” well

Semantic relates to meaning in language or logic. The phrase a semantic argument often dismisses a dispute as being about wording rather than substance.

Common questions

Questions about “semantic

Semantic (adjective) means relating to meaning in language or logic
Here is semantic used in an example sentence: "The two sides argued over a semantic distinction that had significant legal implications." Another example: "Their disagreement turned out to be merely semantic, since both sides actually favored the same policy."
Common synonyms for semantic include linguistic, interpretive, denotative, connotative.
Clusters with linguistic, interpretive, denotative, and connotative in Sentence Equivalence. Look for contexts distinguishing the meaning of words from their mere form.
Yes. Semantic is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.