What is the primary focus of semantics in linguistics?

The primary focus of semantics in linguistics is the study of meaning. Semantics examines how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning, including the relationships between them and how context can affect interpretation. This field explores various layers of meaning, such as denotative (literal) meaning, connotative (suggestive) meaning, and the nuances that arise in different contexts.

By studying meaning, semantics helps to understand how language functions beyond just the physical form of words, which is addressed in phonetics and phonology. It also distinguishes itself from syntax, which focuses on sentence structure, and pragmatics, which deals with language use in context. Thus, stating that semantics is about the study of meaning captures the essence of what this subfield of linguistics encompasses.