Definition

A unit of meaning that is represented by a morpheme, which is the smallest grammatical unit in a language.

Example

In linguistics, a sememe is essential for understanding how words convey meaning.

Conversation

Hey, have you ever heard the term sememe?

Yeah, I think it refers to the meaning of a morpheme, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how a single sememe can convey so much meaning.

For sure, it makes language so much richer and more complex.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sememe is formed from "sem-" (from Greek "semaino", meaning to signify or indicate) and "-eme" (from Greek "-ema", meaning a unit or element). The word "sememe" refers to the smallest unit of meaning in a language, indicating a specific concept or idea.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sem-' as signifying something and '-eme' as a unit. This helps you remember that a sememe is a unit of meaning that signifies a specific concept.

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