What is a morpheme?

A morpheme is defined as the smallest unit of meaning in a word. This means that morphemes can be individual words or parts of words, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words. For instance, in the word 'unhappiness,' there are three morphemes: 'un-' (a prefix meaning 'not'), 'happy' (the root word that carries the main meaning), and '-ness' (a suffix that turns the adjective into a noun). Each of these morphemes contributes a specific meaning, illustrating how they form a word's overall meaning.

Understanding that morphemes are the building blocks of meaning in language is essential for vocabulary development, language processing, and reading comprehension, particularly in educational settings involving Exceptional Student Education, where students may benefit from a focus on word structure and meaning.