What is the role of connectives in English words?

Connectives play a significant role in the structure of English words by serving as elements that combine morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning in a language. In this context, connectives often refer to prefixes or suffixes that are added to morphemes to create new words or modify existing ones. By connecting these morphological components, connectives facilitate the construction of words that convey more complex meanings.

For example, in the word "unhappiness," the prefix "un-" (a connective) combines with the morpheme "happy" and the suffix "-ness" to convey the state of not being happy. This illustrates how connectives are essential in forming and expanding vocabulary.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the function of connectives. While modifying nouns, forming prepositions, and creating adverbs are all important elements of English grammar, they do not specifically encapsulate the role of connectives in combining morphemes to create new word forms.