The word "semious" is spelled with four letters - s, e, m, and i - and pronounced /ˈsɛm.i.əs/. The first syllable, "sem," is pronounced with a short e sound and the stress falls on the first syllable. The second syllable, "ious," is pronounced with a long i sound and a schwa sound. The word "semious" refers to something that has to do with signs or symbols and their meanings, particularly in language or communication.