Morphology
English Language: AQA A Level, topic 1.3.1
Grammar - Morphology
One thing to look at is how a word is formed – this is the study of morphology.
Morpheme
- Morphology looks at morphemes.
- A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning and they make up all words.
- A morpheme can either be free, bound, a prefix or a suffix.
Types of morphemes
- A free morpheme can stand on its own.
- E.g. Friend.
- A bound morpheme can be added to the start or end of a free morpheme. If a bound morpheme is added to the start of a free morpheme, it is called a prefix-bound morpheme. If it is bound to the end of the free morpheme, it is called a suffix-bound morpheme.
- E.g. Un (prefix-bound) + friend (free) + ly (suffix-bound) → unfriendly.
Examples
- Free morpheme: attractive.
- With a prefix-bound morpheme: unattractive.
- With a suffix-bound morpheme: attractively.
- Free morpheme: figure.
- With a prefix-bound morpheme: disfigure.
- With a suffix-bound morpheme: figurine.
- Free morpheme: mature.
- With a prefix-bound morpheme: premature.
- With a suffix-bound morpheme: maturely.
Test yourself on Morphology
Which word contains a prefix-bound morpheme?
Which word contains a suffix-bound morpheme?
What is the prefix-bound morpheme in the word 'unremotely'?
Which words are free morphemes with NO additions?
What is the suffix-bound morpheme in the word 'dishonesty'?