What is the smallest meaningful unit in the grammar of a language?

The smallest meaningful unit in the grammar of a language is a morpheme. Morphemes are the building blocks of words and carry semantic meaning. They can be whole words, like "cat," or can be parts of words, such as prefixes (e.g., "un-") or suffixes (e.g., "-ing"). Understanding morphemes is crucial in analyzing the structure and meaning of words, as they contribute to the overall context and interpretation in language.

Nouns, pronouns, and adjectives are all types of grammatical units that serve specific functions within sentences. While they are essential for forming coherent expressions and conveying meanings, they are not the smallest units of meaning in the language. Rather, they are made up of one or more morphemes. Recognizing morphemes allows for a deeper understanding of how language operates at a fundamental level, making it a critical concept in linguistics and language arts.