Use 'semantic gradients' to turn vocabulary study into a shared thinking activity that explores the subtle differences ...

Word meanings can shift radically, just like pronunciation. Called semantic change, a shift in a word's meaning occurs when frequent misuse becomes standard, or when metaphoric use becomes literal.

Thanks to the evolution of language, technology, and lots of hyperbole, these words used to convey a lot more merit, emotion, or simply seriousness than they do nowadays. Ah, “genius.” Once reserved ...

These words don’t mean what they once did centuries ago. In Shakespeare’s time, “cunning” simply meant clever or intellectually sharp, without any shady undertones. Today, calling someone cunning ...

A new study suggests that the phonemic composition of words influences as how beautiful we perceive them to be, and how well ...