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Semantic feature

A notational device for expressing the presence or absence of semantic properties by pluses and minuses.

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.

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