Word Structure

Word structure refers to how a word is built from smaller parts called morphemes—basic units of meaning or grammatical function. The main components are roots, which carry the core meaning, and affixes (prefixes and suffixes), added to modify or specify that meaning. For example, in "unhappiness," "happy" is the root, "un-" is a prefix meaning "not," and "-ness" is a suffix turning the adjective into a noun. Understanding word structure helps in deciphering meanings, recognizing related words, and understanding language patterns more effectively.