S/LI/156. Using a Shakespearean passage, give a detailed account of the origins of various words and any semantic change that has occurred.

This paper examines the origins of certain words used in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and how these words have undergone semantic change. Linguistic terms such assemantic narrowing, semantic extension, Amelioration and pejorative changes, radiation and specialisations are discussed. INTRODUCTION TO THE PAPER: It is my aim throughout this essay to select five words from a Midsummer Night’s Dream that have undergone semantic change. Firstly I will discuss the origins of a particular word, examine its first recorded use and then discuss how the meaning of the word has changed throughout history, and what type of semantic change has taken place. I will then examine its meaning in the text and also its meaning in modern day English. HARVARD REFERENCING AND BIBLIOGRAPHY INCLUDED