In word formation, what is the base word to which other morphemes can be added?

• A. stem/root
• B. prefix
• C. suffix
• D. morpheme

Answer: (A)

In word formation, you attach morphemes to a base form that acts as the anchor for new meaning. The base that receives prefixes or suffixes is called the stem (or root). That is why the stem or root is the correct answer: it’s the part you start with before adding other morphemes such as prefixes or suffixes. For example, happy is the base form; adding the suffix -ness gives happiness, and adding the prefix un- gives unhappy, with both affixes combining to form unhappiness. Morpheme is the unit of meaning itself, while prefixes and suffixes are the pieces that attach to the base.