general semantics

general semantics
Semantics Sem*an"tics, n. sing. or pl. [Gr. shmantikos having meaning, from sh^ma a sign.] 1. the study of the meanings of words and of the sense development of words; -- formerly called {semasiology}. [PJC]

2. a doctrine and philosophical approach to language and its relationship to thought and behavior, developed by Alfred Korzybski (1879-1950), which holds that the capacity to express ideas and thereby improve one's interaction with others and one's environment is enhanced by training in the more critical use of words and other symbols; -- also called {{general semantics}}. [PJC]

3. the meanings of words as they are used to achieve an effect; especially, the multiple meanings of words or the multiplicity of words having the same meaning; -- used in referring to the confusion that can be caused (intentionally or unintentionally) by multiple meanings; as, there's no real difference, it's only a matter of semantics. [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • General semantics — Gen er*al sem*an tics, n. (1933) a doctrine and philosophical approach to language and its relationship to thought and behavior, developed by Alfred Korzybski (1879 1950), which holds that the capacity to express ideas and thereby improve one s… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • general semantics — ☆ general semantics n. a doctrine and educational movement concerned with the employment of an understanding of the relationship between symbols, esp. language, and reality to improve the adjustment of people to each other and to the environment …   English World dictionary

  • General semantics — The term General Semantics refers to a non Aristotelian educational discipline created by Alfred Korzybski (1879–1950) during the years 1919 to 1933. General Semantics stands distinct from semantics, a different subject. The name technically… …   Wikipedia

  • general semantics — a philosophical approach to language, developed by Alfred Korzybski, exploring the relationship between the form of language and its use and attempting to improve the capacity to express ideas. [1930 35] * * * ▪ philosophy       a philosophy of… …   Universalium

  • general semantics — /dʒɛnrəl səˈmæntɪks/ (say jenruhl suh mantiks) noun the study of semantics with emphasis on the arbitrary nature of meaning and the difficulties which arise in coping with this arbitrariness …  

  • general semantics — noun plural but singular or plural in construction Date: 1933 a doctrine and educational discipline intended to improve habits of response of human beings to their environment and one another especially by training in the more critical use of… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • general semantics — noun An educational discipline based on the notion that certain techniques can enhance ones ability to evaluate and respond to the world …   Wiktionary

  • general semantics — gen′eral seman′tics n. ling. a philosophical approach to language exploring the relationship between the form of language and its use and attempting to improve the capacity to express ideas • Etymology: 1930–35 …   From formal English to slang

  • general semantics — noun plural but usually singular in construction : a doctrine and educational discipline due to Alfred Korzybski (1879 1950) intended to improve habits of response of human beings to their environment and one another especially by training in the …   Useful english dictionary

  • Institute of General Semantics — The Institute of General Semantics is a not for profit corporation established in 1938 by Alfred Korzybski, to support research and publication on the topic of General Semantics. The Institute publishes Korzybski s writings, including the seminal …   Wikipedia

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