Word Structure & Morphological Analysis Flashcards

In the word 'unbreakable,' how many morphemes are present?

Answer: Three (un-, break, -able)

'Un-', 'break', and '-able' are three distinct morphemes each carrying separate meaning.

Which of the following is an example of a BOUND morpheme?

Answer: -ness

'-ness' is a bound morpheme because it cannot stand alone as a word.

The suffix '-ist' in 'pianist' functions primarily to indicate:

Answer: A person who performs or practices something

The suffix '-ist' derives agent nouns, meaning a person who plays or practices a skill.

What morphological process creates 'teeth' from 'tooth'?

Answer: Internal vowel change (ablaut)

The plural 'teeth' is formed by an internal vowel change, a process called ablaut or umlaut.

In 'semifinal,' the morpheme 'semi-' contributes which meaning?

Answer: Half or partial

'Semi-' is a prefix meaning half or partial, indicating a stage before the final.

Which pair demonstrates DERIVATIONAL morphology rather than inflectional?

Answer: happy / happiness

'Happiness' is a new word (noun) derived from the adjective 'happy,' making it derivational morphology.

The word 'cranberry' contains the morpheme 'cran-,' which is best described as:

Answer: A cranberry morpheme (unique/non-productive bound morpheme)

'Cran-' has no independent meaning outside 'cranberry' and is the classic example of a cranberry (unique) morpheme.