Which term describes the study of the history and origin of words?

Etymology is the study of the history and origin of words, analyzing how their meanings and forms have evolved over time. This field explores the roots of words, including their linguistic ancestry, which can often reveal connections to other languages and cultures. It helps in understanding not just the current usage of a word but also its journey, which can include changes in spelling, pronunciation, and meaning. This understanding can enhance a person's appreciation of language and contribute to vocabulary development.

The other terms provided relate to different concepts: epistemology focuses on the nature of knowledge and belief, semantic mapping involves visualizing the relationships between concepts or words, and schema refers to the cognitive structures that help organize knowledge, illustrating different aspects of learning and comprehension rather than the historical development of language itself.