Semantic Shift

Semantic shift refers to the change in a word's meaning over time. Words can evolve due to cultural, technological, or societal influences, causing their original sense to expand, narrow, or shift entirely. For example, "girl" once simply meant a young person of either sex, but now specifically refers to a female child. These shifts can happen gradually, reflecting how language adapts to new contexts and ideas. Understanding semantic shift helps us interpret historical texts accurately and recognize how language mirrors societal changes.