What does etymology study?

Etymology specifically studies the origins and historical development of words, including how their forms and meanings have changed over time. This field looks at how words have been borrowed from other languages, how their meanings can evolve, and what their root components are. By tracing a word back to its earliest known use, etymologists can uncover connections between languages and reveal insights into cultural and social influences on language.

The focus of etymology is not on the emotional meanings of words, grammatical structures, or sounds. Emotional meanings relate more to semantics and pragmatics, while grammatical structures are the concern of syntax. Sounds and phonetics pertain to the auditory aspects of language, which are studied under phonology. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the comprehensive nature of etymology as it encompasses the history, form, and meaning of words.