Morpheme

Definition

A morpheme is the smallest meaningful unit of language. It can be a free morpheme (a standalone word like CAT) or a bound morpheme (an affix like -S). Words are assembled from one or more morphemes.

Why it matters

Thinking in morphemes lets you decode unfamiliar words and predict spellings from structure rather than rote memory.

Examples

• CATS = CAT + -S (two morphemes).
• REPLAY = RE- + PLAY (two morphemes).

Best practices

• Break long words into morphemes to infer meaning.
• Use morpheme knowledge to validate candidate spellings.

Frequently asked