Definition

A basic unit of meaning in a language that cannot be broken down into smaller parts. It can be a whole word or a part of a word, like a prefix or suffix.

Example

In the word 'unhappiness', 'un-', 'happy', and '-ness' are all morphemes.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a morpheme?

Yeah, I think it's a part of a word that has meaning, right?

Exactly! Like how '-ed' in 'walked' is a morpheme.

That's so interesting! I never thought about it that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Morpheme → It is formed from 'morphē' (from Greek, meaning form or shape) and the suffix '-eme' (from Greek 'ēma', meaning a unit). The word 'morpheme' refers to the smallest unit of meaning or form in a language.

Memory Tip

Think of 'morphē' meaning form, and remember that a morpheme is the smallest unit that carries meaning in a language.

Visually Confused Words