generative semantics

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tive semantics
usually
ˈje-nə-rə-tiv- How to pronounce generative semantics (audio)
plural in form but usually singular in construction
: a description of a language emphasizing a semantic deep structure that is logical in form, that provides syntactic structure, and that is related to surface structure by transformations

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of generative semantics was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near generative semantics

Cite this Entry

“Generative semantics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generative%20semantics. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on generative semantics

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!