The study of the meaning of words.
Often misused when
quibbling about something someone said. In that context, the statement "That's only semantics" would be more aptly
phrased as "You're just 'splitting hairs
on word meanings."
Example:
Often used within the phrase "That's only semantics":
-- as a blanket repudiation of precise communication.
-- by persons advocating 'subjective feelings' over 'objective description' as a
mainstay of communication.
The very concept of semantics is frequently disparaged by
wishy-washy passive-aggressives who refuse to be accountable for their careless use of language or their deplorable lack of education.
Skater-boy was too lazy to choose his words carefully, unaware that without semantics, even his street
drivel would be incomprehensible.