Which study focuses on the meanings behind words?

The study that focuses on the meanings behind words is semantics. Semantics is a branch of linguistics that delves into the interpretation of meanings, investigating how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning in language. This includes not only the definitions of words but also how context can influence the interpretation of those meanings.

Understanding semantics is crucial in areas such as language acquisition, reading comprehension, and effective communication, as it helps individuals interpret and derive significance from spoken and written language. The other areas—phonology, syntax, and pragmatics—focus on different aspects of language: phonology on sounds, syntax on sentence structure, and pragmatics on the use of language in social contexts—but semantics specifically addresses meaning.