difference between semantics and pragmatics.

**Semantics** and **pragmatics** are two branches of linguistics that deal with meaning, but they focus on different aspects:

- **Semantics**: Studies the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences in isolation. It focuses on the inherent meaning of linguistic expressions and their logical relationships. For example, semantics examines how the meaning of "cat" and "on the mat" combine to create a coherent meaning for the sentence "The cat is on the mat."

- **Pragmatics**: Examines how context influences the interpretation of meaning. It deals with how speakers use language in various situations, including implied meanings, speech acts, and conversational context. For example, pragmatics explores how the meaning of "Can you pass the salt?" might be understood as a polite request rather than a question about someone's ability to pass the salt.

In essence, semantics is concerned with literal meaning, while pragmatics is concerned with context and inferred meaning.