Question

State the morphemes the differential meaning of which helps to distinguish between words in the given list.

Model: bookcase, bookshelf, bookstall, bookshop
The morphemes -case, -shelf, -stall and -shop possess the differential meaning as each of them may serve to distinguish the word it forms from the other words in the given list.

1) baseline, basement, base-plate, base-weight;
2) single-minded, narrow-minded, simple-minded, broad-minded;
3) blueberry, gooseberry, strawberry, cranberry;
4) pen-friend, pen-holder, pen-case, pen-stocker

Answer 1

1) The morphemes -line, -ment, -plate, and -weight possess the differential meaning in the given list. They help distinguish between the words by indicating different concepts or objects related to the base word "base."

2) The morphemes -single, -narrow, -simple, and -broad possess the differential meaning in the given list. They help distinguish between the words by describing different types or qualities of the concept indicated by the base word "mind."

3) The morphemes -blue, -goose, -straw, and -cran possess the differential meaning in the given list. They help distinguish between the words by indicating different types or species of the fruit indicated by the base word "berry."

4) The morphemes -friend, -holder, -case, and -stocker possess the differential meaning in the given list. They help distinguish between the words by indicating different roles or functions related to the base word "pen."