---
title: "generative semantics"
type: concept
related: [Semantic Primes, Distributed Morphology, Generative Semantics, Lexicalization Hypothesis, Transformational Generative Syntax]
source: https://www.jemoka.com/posts/kbhgenerative_semantics/
confidence: high
status: active
---

a hissyfight with the transformational generative syntax.
generative semantics states that structure is in support of meaning, rather than the other way around that transformational generative syntax suggests.
This means that you need to first come up with a meaning then imbew the best structure to support the expression of that meaning.
This (along with distributed morphology) is the main opposition of the Lexicalist Hypothesis, and because proof for the existence of semantic primes, also the main opposition of the existence of semantic primes.
