Definition

A basic unit of meaning in a language, which can take different forms like tense or number. For example, the word 'run' can appear as 'runs', 'running', or 'ran', but they all relate to the same lexeme.

Example

In linguistics, a lexeme is the base form of a word that can have various grammatical forms.

Conversation

I learned about the concept of a lexeme in my linguistics class yesterday.

Oh really? What exactly is a lexeme?

It's basically the base form of a word, like 'run' in all its variations.

That makes sense! It's interesting how language works like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lexeme → It is formed from "lexis" (from Greek λέξις, meaning word or phrase) and the suffix "-eme" (from Greek -ημα, meaning a unit or element). A lexeme refers to the fundamental unit of meaning in a language, representing a single word or a base form of a word.

Memory Tip

Think of 'lexis' meaning 'word' and '-eme' meaning 'unit' — a lexeme is a unit of meaning represented by a word.

Visually Confused Words