What does the term semantics refer to in linguistics?

The term semantics in linguistics pertains to the study of meaning. It encompasses how words, phrases, and sentences express meaning, which includes understanding nuances, connotations, and the relationships between different meanings. This study is central to how we communicate ideas through language and is vital for understanding both literal meanings and implied meanings in communication.

While the other choices touch on aspects of language, they do not accurately describe semantics. For instance, the rules of sentence formation relate more closely to syntax, the sound system of language pertains to phonology, and the minimal sound unit of speech refers to phonemes. These areas focus on structure and sound rather than the meanings inherent in language, which is the core focus of semantics.