What does semantics refer to in language?

Semantics specifically refers to the study of meaning in language, encompassing the content and significance of words, phrases, and sentences. It deals with how meaning is constructed, interpreted, and communicated. The choice that identifies semantics as the content of language is accurate, as it highlights the role of semantics in understanding what is conveyed through linguistic expressions.

The other aspects related to language—such as sentence structure, pronunciation, and contextual meaning—are crucial components of linguistics but do not capture the essence of semantics. Sentence structure relates to syntax, pronunciation pertains to phonetics and phonology, and while contextual meaning has its place in semantics, it is more about how meaning changes depending on context rather than the inherent meaning of words or phrases themselves. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the foundational aspect of semantics in language—its content.