Which term refers to the meanings of words and the relationships between words and phrases?

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

Answer: (A)

Meanings of words and how those meanings connect within phrases and sentences are studied in semantics. Semantics focuses on what words mean (their sense) and how those meanings combine to form the meaning of larger units like phrases and sentences. It also looks at relationships between words—such as synonyms, antonyms, and hierarchical links like hyponyms and hypernyms—and how context or ambiguity can influence interpretation at the level of meaning. This differs from morphology, which examines word structure and morphemes; from syntax, which organizes words into grammatical sentences; and from pragmatics, which deals with language use in real situations and what speakers intend beyond the literal content. For example, semantics helps explain why the word bank can refer to a financial institution or a riverside edge, and how surrounding words clarify which sense is intended.