Which term describes the meaning of words and phrases in language?

Which term describes the meaning of words and phrases in language?

• A. Syntax
• B. Pragmatics
• C. Semantics
• D. Phonology

Answer: (C)

Meaning of words and phrases in language is semantics. Semantics studies what words stand for—their denotation, connotations, and how meanings combine in phrases and sentences. For example, the word bank can mean a financial institution or the side of a river; semantics analyzes those senses and how they relate within language. Pragmatics looks at how context, speaker intent, and social use influence meaning in real communication. Syntax focuses on the rules for ordering words to form sentences, and phonology deals with sound systems. So semantics is the term that best describes meaning itself.

Meaning of words and phrases in language is semantics. Semantics studies what words stand for—their denotation, connotations, and how meanings combine in phrases and sentences. For example, the word bank can mean a financial institution or the side of a river; semantics analyzes those senses and how they relate within language. Pragmatics looks at how context, speaker intent, and social use influence meaning in real communication. Syntax focuses on the rules for ordering words to form sentences, and phonology deals with sound systems. So semantics is the term that best describes meaning itself.