What is the smallest unit of meaning?

What is the smallest unit of meaning?

• A. Morphemes
• B. Phonemes
• C. Semantics
• D. Syntax

Answer: (A)

The smallest unit that carries meaning in language is a morpheme. A morpheme can be a standalone word, like “book” or “dog,” or a meaningful piece attached to a word, such as the prefix “un-” or the suffix “-ed.” These bits show either meaning or grammatical function, whereas sounds alone don’t carry meaning. Phonemes are the basic sound units, not units of meaning. Semantics is the study of meaning itself, and syntax is about how words are arranged to form sentences. For example, in “cats,” there are two morphemes: the root “cat” and the plural marker “-s.”

The smallest unit that carries meaning in language is a morpheme. A morpheme can be a standalone word, like “book” or “dog,” or a meaningful piece attached to a word, such as the prefix “un-” or the suffix “-ed.” These bits show either meaning or grammatical function, whereas sounds alone don’t carry meaning. Phonemes are the basic sound units, not units of meaning. Semantics is the study of meaning itself, and syntax is about how words are arranged to form sentences. For example, in “cats,” there are two morphemes: the root “cat” and the plural marker “-s.”