morphological

/ˌmɔːrfəˈlɒdʒɪkl/
relating to the structure of words

The study of morphological rules helps linguists understand how words are formed.

This example shows how 'morphological' describes the analysis of word formation.


technical

relating to the structure and formation of words, including their component parts (morphemes) and how they combine

Morphological analysis reveals the base form of verbs and nouns.

This means breaking down words into their smallest meaningful parts.

The morphological differences between English and German can be striking.

This refers to how words are constructed differently in these languages.

Morphology is a subfield of linguistics that studies word structure.

Collocations

morphological analysisthe study of word structuremorphological rulespatterns governing word formation

Related Phrases

morphemephrase
the smallest meaningful unit in a word
inflectional morphologyphrase
changes to words to express grammatical functions

Pro Tip

Morphology vs. Syntax

Morphology studies word structure, while syntax studies how words combine into sentences.

Gold Rule

Key Concept

Morphology examines how words are built from smaller meaningful parts called morphemes.

Word Origin

From Greek 'morphē' (form) + '-logical' (study of)

Usage Notes

Primarily used in linguistics to describe word formation processes.

Word Breakdown

morph
form
root
+
-o-
connecting vowel
suffix
+
-logical
relating to the study of
suffix
English Dictionary