Correct Answer:
C. Etymology
The study of the origin and history of words is called Etymology. It traces words back to their earliest known forms, identifies their linguistic ancestors, and examines how their meanings and forms have evolved over time.
- Lexicology (A) is the study of words, their nature, meaning, history, and relation to other words, but etymology is a specific branch of it.
- Semantics (B) focuses on the meaning of words and phrases.
- Phonology (D) is the study of the sound systems of languages.