Morphology Meaning and Definition
Morphology
Pronunciation
/ˈmɔrfoʊlədʒi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The study of the internal structure and arrangement of speech sounds, including phonemes, morphemes, and inflectional endings.
Examples
- Linguists study morphology to understand how language is organized.
- Morphology helps linguists identify and analyze the building blocks of language.
Synonyms
- Phonology
- Syntax
Antonyms
- Semantics
- Pragmatics
Etymology
The word “morphology” comes from the Greek words “morphe,” meaning form, and “logos,” meaning study or science.
Usage Notes
Morphology is often used in linguistics and language studies, but it can also be used in other fields, such as biology, to refer to the study of the structure and development of organisms.
Cultural References
Morphology has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the title of the book “The Morphology of Language” by linguist Noam Chomsky.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
None
Related Words or Phrases
- Phonology
- Syntax
- Semantics
- Pragmatics
Collocations
- Language morphology
- Biological morphology
Frequency of Use
Morphology is a technical term used primarily in academic and professional contexts, and it is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
None