What do the phonemes combine to form in the study of semantics?

Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that can distinguish one word from another. In the study of semantics, which focuses on meaning in language, phonemes combine to form morphemes, and morphemes are the smallest units of meaning. Once morphemes are established, they can come together to create words, and it is within these words that semantics operates to convey meaning.

Selecting "word meanings" accurately reflects the role of phonemes in the context of semantics, as it highlights the progression from sound (phonemes) to meaning (words) in language development and comprehension. This understanding is crucial when studying how language constructs meaning, as phonemes are foundational to building up to larger structures that carry semantic content.