What does semantics study?

Semantics is the branch of linguistics that focuses specifically on the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences in language. It deals with how language conveys meaning and how context can influence the interpretation of that meaning. Understanding semantics is crucial for comprehending not only the literal meanings of words but also the nuances, connotations, and implied meanings that can arise in different contexts.

The study of semantics encompasses various elements, including word meanings (lexical semantics), sentence meaning (compositional semantics), and pragmatic aspects of meaning that consider context and social factors. This aspect of language helps readers and listeners interpret messages accurately, evaluate the effectiveness of communication, and appreciate the subtleties of language use.

In contrast, the other options relate to different branches of linguistics; sentence structure pertains to syntax, sound patterns focus on phonetics and phonology, while grammar includes the rules governing sentence structure and word formation. Each of these areas plays an important role in understanding language overall, but semantics is distinct in its focus on meaning.