What term describes the meaning and interpretation in communication?

The correct answer is semantics, which refers to the meaning and interpretation of words, phrases, and sentences in communication. It encompasses how meaning is constructed in language and how individuals understand and derive significance from what is being said. Semantics studies how context impacts the meaning of language, including nuances like connotation and denotation.

This term is fundamental in understanding language as it helps clarify how people derive meaning beyond the raw definitions of words. For example, the same word can have different meanings based on the context it is used in, showcasing the complexity of communication.

In contrast, phonetics deals with the sounds of speech; syntax refers to the structure and rules that govern the arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences; and pragmatics focuses on the social aspects of language use, including the context and intentions behind communication. Each of these areas plays a role in understanding language, but semantics specifically zeros in on meaning, making it the appropriate choice in this case.