Which of the following best defines semantics?

The definition of semantics focuses on the study of word meanings, which is why this is the best choice. Semantics encompasses how meanings are derived from words and phrases within a language, exploring the various nuances, interpretations, and contexts in which words can be understood. This field examines how meaning is constructed, communicated, and interpreted, highlighting its significance in effective communication and comprehension.

The other choices do not accurately describe semantics. The rules of sentence structure pertain to syntax, which is concerned with how words are combined to form grammatically correct sentences. The emotive aspect of language refers to the emotional implications words can carry, but this falls under pragmatics and not semantics. The relationship between sounds and letters is linked to phonetics and orthography, focusing on how spoken language correlates with written forms, rather than the meanings of the words themselves.