Semantic change

Semantic change means that over time, the meaning of a word can shift or change. It's like when your favorite toy used to be a big, shiny red car with four wheels, but as you grew up, your favorite toy became a little, cuddly teddy bear instead. In the same way, words can change their meanings as time goes on and people use them differently.

For example, the word "gay" used to mean "happy" or "joyful," but over time the word changed to mean someone who is attracted to the same sex. This change happened because people started using the word differently and associating it with a new meaning.

Another example is the word "nice." Today, it means something is good or pleasant, but in the past it meant something precise or refined. So, just like toys and preferences can change as we grow up, so can the meanings of words!