Question:

The smallest unit of speech perception that has meaning is ________.

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Meaning begins at the morpheme level, not at the phoneme level.
Updated On: Dec 24, 2025
  • morpheme
  • syntax
  • semantics
  • phoneme
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define linguistic units.
A morpheme is the smallest linguistic unit that carries meaning, such as roots, prefixes, or suffixes.
Step 2: Distinguish from phonemes.
Phonemes are the smallest units of sound but do not carry meaning on their own.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options.
Syntax and semantics are branches of linguistics, not units of speech perception.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the smallest meaningful unit of speech perception is a morpheme.
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