What is a morpheme?

A morpheme is indeed defined as the smallest meaningful part of a word. This concept is fundamental in the study of linguistics and phonology, as it represents the basic units of meaning that contribute to a word's definition. Morphemes can be entire words, like "cat," or they can be prefixes or suffixes, such as "un-" in "undo" or "-ing" in "running." Understanding morphemes helps educators teach vocabulary development and word construction, as it allows students to dissect complex words into their meaningful components, enhancing their reading comprehension and spelling skills.

In contrast, other options refer to different linguistic elements. A group of words pertains to phrases or sentences but does not capture the essence of what constitutes a morpheme. A type of syllable is related to phonetics and refers to the structural components of spoken language rather than their meaning. Similarly, a specific type of vowel pertains to phonology and the sounds used in speech but does not relate to the idea of meaningfulness in word formation. Thus, recognizing that a morpheme is specifically about the smallest units of meaning clarifies its definition and importance in language learning.