Which subfield studies meaning in language?

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

Answer: (B)

Meaning in language is studied by semantics. Semantics analyzes how words encode content, how the meanings of individual words combine to form the meaning of phrases and sentences, and how truth conditions relate to what statements express. It covers reference, sense, and how composition yields larger meanings from smaller parts. Pragmatics, by contrast, focuses on how context, speaker intent, and social use influence interpretation. Phonology examines the sound system of a language, and morphology studies the internal structure of words and how morphemes combine.