What is the study of the form of words called?

The study of the form of words is referred to as morphology. Morphology examines the structure of words, including the way that they are formed from smaller units called morphemes. Morphemes can be roots, prefixes, or suffixes, and they combine to create meaning in words. Understanding morphology is crucial for grasping how different word forms interact in a language and how they contribute to meaning.

In contrast, syntax deals with the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences; semantics is concerned with meaning at the level of words, phrases, and sentences; and phonology focuses on the sound system of a language. Each of these areas plays a significant role in linguistics, but morphology specifically targets the structure and form of words themselves.