Definition

The study of the smallest units of writing in a language and how they relate to the sounds in spoken language.

Example

Graphemics helps linguists understand how written symbols correspond to spoken sounds.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of graphemics?

I think so, but I’m not really sure what it means.

It's the study of writing units in a script, like letters and their sounds.

That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Graphemics → It is formed from "grapho-" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write) and "-emics" (from Greek "-emikos", meaning related to a field of study). The word refers to the study of writing systems and their symbols.

Memory Tip

Think of 'writing' ('grapho-') and how it relates to a specific field of study ('-emics'). This helps you remember that graphemics is all about the study of writing systems.

Visually Confused Words