Which term focuses on how words are formed and how affixes modify base meanings?

Which term focuses on how words are formed and how affixes modify base meanings?

• A. Morphology
• B. Syntax
• C. Semantics
• D. Pragmatics

Answer: (A)

Morphology is the study of word structure—how words are formed from smaller units called morphemes, including base words and affixes. It explains how adding prefixes and suffixes can change meaning or part of speech. For example, adding the prefix re- to act gives react (to act again), attaching the suffix -ion to act gives action (the result or process of acting), or adding -er to teach gives teacher (the person who teaches). The plural -s changes meaning to indicate more than one. This focus is distinct from syntax (how words are arranged in sentences), semantics (the meanings of words and sentences), and pragmatics (how language is used in social contexts). In practice, understanding morphemes helps students decode unfamiliar words, expand vocabulary, and support spelling and reading comprehension.

Morphology is the study of word structure—how words are formed from smaller units called morphemes, including base words and affixes. It explains how adding prefixes and suffixes can change meaning or part of speech. For example, adding the prefix re- to act gives react (to act again), attaching the suffix -ion to act gives action (the result or process of acting), or adding -er to teach gives teacher (the person who teaches). The plural -s changes meaning to indicate more than one. This focus is distinct from syntax (how words are arranged in sentences), semantics (the meanings of words and sentences), and pragmatics (how language is used in social contexts). In practice, understanding morphemes helps students decode unfamiliar words, expand vocabulary, and support spelling and reading comprehension.