topic for my term paper

se·man·tics
noun pl but singular or pl in constr \si-ˈman-tiks\
Definition of SEMANTICS
1
: the study of meanings: a : the historical and psychological study and the classification of changes in the signification of words or forms viewed as factors in linguistic development b (1) : semiotics (2) : a branch of semiotic dealing with the relations between signs and what they refer to and including theories of denotation, extension, naming, and truth
2
: general semantics
3
a : the meaning or relationship of meanings of a sign or set of signs; especially : connotative meaning b : the language used (as in advertising or political propaganda) to achieve a desired effect on an audience especially through the use of words with novel or dual meanings


Origin of SEMANTICS
(see semantic)
First Known Use: 1893

syn·tax
noun \ˈsin-ˌtaks\
Definition of SYNTAX
1
a : the way in which linguistic elements (as words) are put together to form constituents (as phrases or clauses) b : the part of grammar dealing with this
2
: a connected or orderly system : harmonious arrangement of parts or elements <the syntax of classical architecture>
3
: syntactics especially as dealing with the formal properties of languages or calculi
See syntax defined for English-language learners »

Origin of SYNTAX
Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French sintaxe, from Late Latin syntaxis, from Greek, from syntassein to arrange together, from syn- + tassein to arrange
First Known Use: 1574
Rhymes with SYNTAX

A homonym ('same name') is a word that has the same pronunciation and spelling as another word, but a different meaning.

For example, mean (an average) and mean (nasty) are homonyms. They are identical in spelling and pronunciation, but different in meaning.

Here are some more homonyms:
- punch (a drink) and punch (a hit)
- dog (an animal) and dog (to follow closely)
- bat (an animal) and bat (baseball equipment)

Homonyms are by definition also homographs and homophones (see below).


A homograph ('same writing') is a word that has the same spelling as another word, but a different meaning.

For example, punch and punch are homographs, but so are bow (Robin Hood's weapon) and bow (the front of the ship). Homographs don't have to be pronounced the same way.


A homophone ('same sound') is a word that has the same pronunciation as another word, but a different meaning.

For example, punch and punch are homophones, but so are creak (the sound) and creek (a tiny river). Homophones don't have to be spelled the same way.

Here are some more homophones:
- there, their and they're
- to, too, and two
- led and lead (the metal)
- weak and week

Many puns rely on homophones for their humour.

To summarize:

* Homonyms sound the same and are spelled the same, and have different meanings.
* Homographs are spelled the same (but need not sound the same), and have different meanings.
* Homophones sound the same (but need not be spelled the same), and have different meanings.

[Note: there is no universal agreement on these definitions. Some dictionaries or reference works may have alternate definitions.]

But wait ... there's more!


Heteronyms, or heterophones ('different name') are spelled the same, but have different pronunciations and meanings.

For example, desert (to abandon) and desert (a dry region) have the same spelling, but are pronounced differently, and have different meanings.

(Heteronyms are homographs that are pronounced differently ... or homographs that aren't homophones).


Contronyms, or antagonyms have opposite meanings in different contexts.

For example, cleave can mean to stick together, or to split apart.


Capitonyms are spelled the same but have different meanings when capitalised.

For example:
- polish (to shine something) and Polish (from Poland). These are pronounced differently.
- caterpillar (the insect) and Caterpillar (the machinery company). These are pronounced the same.

Capitonyms may or may not be pronounced the same.

could you plz provide me with suggestions about a free online library or some interesting topics in semantics or syntax?