Which domain studies word formation?

Which domain studies word formation?

• A. Morphology
• B. Syntax
• C. Phonology
• D. Semantics

Answer: (A)

Morphology studies how words are built from smaller meaningful units called morphemes and the processes that join them, like prefixing, suffixing, and compounding. It covers both inflection (changing a word to express tense, number, etc.) and derivation (creating new words). For example, unhappiness shows how un- and -ness attach to happy to form a new noun meaning the state of being unhappy; teacher illustrates turning a verb into a noun with the -er suffix; cats shows plural formation with the -s suffix. In contrast, syntax looks at how words combine into sentences, phonology focuses on sounds and their patterns, and semantics deals with meaning. So the domain that studies word formation is morphology.

Morphology studies how words are built from smaller meaningful units called morphemes and the processes that join them, like prefixing, suffixing, and compounding. It covers both inflection (changing a word to express tense, number, etc.) and derivation (creating new words). For example, unhappiness shows how un- and -ness attach to happy to form a new noun meaning the state of being unhappy; teacher illustrates turning a verb into a noun with the -er suffix; cats shows plural formation with the -s suffix. In contrast, syntax looks at how words combine into sentences, phonology focuses on sounds and their patterns, and semantics deals with meaning. So the domain that studies word formation is morphology.