önersem

Önersem is a concept in Turkish linguistics that refers to the semantic content of a word that is not derived from its etymological origin. It is a term used to describe the meaning of a word as it is understood and used in contemporary Turkish, rather than its historical or etymological roots. This can be particularly relevant in cases where a word has undergone significant semantic change over time.

For example, the word "kedi" (cat) has an obvious önersem, as it refers to a small, typically furry, carnivorous mammal. However, the word "kedi" also has a historical meaning that is no longer in use, referring to a type of small, flat-bottomed boat. In this case, the önersem of "kedi" is the modern meaning of the word, while its historical meaning is considered its etymological origin.

Önersem is an important concept in linguistics as it helps to understand how the meaning of words evolves over time and how they are used in contemporary language. It is also relevant in the study of language change, as it allows linguists to track the semantic shifts that occur as words are adopted and adapted into new contexts.