Broadening

Broadening is the process by which the meaning of a word changes to become more generalised over time. Broadening is a type of semantic change. It is important that we first understand what semantics and semantic change are.

Broadening is a key example of semantic change and is a common process that tends to occur slowly over many years. A synonym of broadening is a semantic generalisation .

What causes broadening?

Semantic broadening is caused by extra-linguistic factors. These are factors that occur outside the language itself. This type of semantic change occurs naturally and gradually over time.

Broadening typically occurs when a word is used more frequently. This will lead to its meaning becoming more encompassing of related definitions. This can be caused by factors such as socio-cultural and psychological reasons. Let's take a look at some examples.

1. Socio-cultural factors

Sociocultural factors can cause broadening. This happens when there is a major shift in a country's politics or social landscape. Revolutions, wars, and civil rights movements can all lead to broadening. A good example of this is how some words change their meaning following political coups.

Guy

The word 'guy' gained popularity in England following the failed Gunpowder Plot led by Guido 'Guy' Fawkes. Because of Fawkes' role in the plot, the word 'guy' came to mean a grotesque person. This developed over time until the word meant a man or boy.

2. Psychological Factors

Broadening can also happen when an item gains popularity. This is especially common in the twentieth century. When a brand becomes the leader in its field, sometimes its meaning will broaden to include the entire field itself. This will lead to the word meaning becoming broader in the minds of its consumers.

Fig. 1 - 'Kleenex' is an example of broadening.

Kleenex

The tissue brand, 'Kleenex' is often used interchangeably with the word 'tissue'. This is because, as the product became more popular, people began to link the two in their minds, leading to the broadening of the meaning of the word.

Examples of broadening

1. Business

Fig. 2 - 'Business' is an example of broadening.

The word 'business' was originally only used to mean someone was busy. However, over the years, the meaning of this word has changed. Now, the word's meaning has been broadened to refer to any type of work or job.

2. Cool

The modern use of the term 'cool' was originally used in jazz to refer to a specific style ('cool jazz')! As jazz grew in popularity, the word started to be applied more widely.

3. Demagogue

'Demagogue' derives from the Greek word 'demos', meaning 'people'. Historically it was used to describe a popular leader. However, this meaning broadened through the years to indicate a political leader who panders to the prejudices of the masses.