California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

The area of study that focuses on the origins of words is etymology. Etymology investigates the history of words, tracing their roots and exploring how their meanings and forms have evolved over time. This discipline reveals not only the derivation of words but also the connections between languages and how societal changes influence language development.

Morphology, in contrast, deals with the structure of words, including how they are formed from morphemes—the smallest units of meaning. Phonology focuses on the sound systems of languages and the rules that govern their use, while syntax pertains to the arrangement of words and phrases to create meaningful sentences. Each of these fields contributes to our understanding of language but in different ways, with etymology specifically highlighting the history and origin of words.