base unit of language

Definitions

The smallest meaningful linguistic unit, typically identified as a morpheme, which cannot be divided into smaller units of meaning.

In structural linguistics, the fundamental building block of a language system, often referring to the phoneme or morpheme depending on the analytical framework.

Examples

Many linguists argue that the morpheme, rather than the word, should be considered the fundamental base unit of language.

In the study of phonology, the phoneme is often identified as the smallest base unit of language that distinguishes meaning.

Synonyms

morpheme linguistic atom fundamental unit of speech minimal meaningful element

Antonyms

complex sentence entire discourse complete linguistic structure compound utterance