Question

Which semantic theory posits that word meanings are understood relative to their usage in specific contexts?

• A. Lexical Semantics
• B. Pragmatic Semantics
• C. Compositional Semantics
• D. Cognitive Semantics

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Pragmatic Semantics

Pragmatic semantics emphasizes that meaning is highly context-dependent and arises from the interaction between linguistic expressions and the situations in which they are used. It involves understanding the speaker's intentions, background knowledge, and other non-linguistic factors that influence the interpretation of meaning.