Semantic feature

Encyclopedia : S : SE : SEM : Semantic feature

A semantic feature is a notational method which can be used to express the existence or non-existence of semantic properties by using plus and minus signs.

Man is [+HUMAN], [+MALE], [+ADULT]
Woman is [+HUMAN], [-MALE], [+ADULT]
Boy is [+HUMAN], [+MALE], [-ADULT]
Girl is [+HUMAN], [-MALE], [-ADULT]

Intersecting semantic classes share the same features.

Some features need not be specifically mentioned as their presence or absence is obvious from another feature. This is a redundancy rule.

From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Original article here. Support Wikipedia by contributing or donating.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License See Wikipedia Copyrights for details.