Which term describes the system of forming words by combining morphemes?

Which term describes the system of forming words by combining morphemes?

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

Answer: (A)

Morphology is the study of how words are formed by combining morphemes. Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning or grammatical function, and by attaching prefixes, suffixes, or joining roots, we create new words and different grammatical forms. For example, adding prefixes or suffixes (such as un-, -ness, or -er) changes meaning or part of speech, as in unhappy, happiness, or runner. This field specifically explains the way words are built from these pieces. In contrast, syntax focuses on how words combine into phrases and sentences, semantics on meaning, and phonology on sound systems and pronunciation.

Morphology is the study of how words are formed by combining morphemes. Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning or grammatical function, and by attaching prefixes, suffixes, or joining roots, we create new words and different grammatical forms. For example, adding prefixes or suffixes (such as un-, -ness, or -er) changes meaning or part of speech, as in unhappy, happiness, or runner. This field specifically explains the way words are built from these pieces. In contrast, syntax focuses on how words combine into phrases and sentences, semantics on meaning, and phonology on sound systems and pronunciation.