What term describes the study of meaningful parts of words and how words are formed?

The term that accurately describes the study of meaningful parts of words and how words are formed is morphology. This field focuses on the structure of words, including the examination of roots, prefixes, suffixes, and the rules governing their combination to create new words or alter existing ones. Morphology helps educators and linguists understand how language operates at a fundamental level, influencing decoding and vocabulary development in reading instruction.

Understanding morphology is critical for effective reading instruction, as it equips learners with strategies to decipher unfamiliar words by recognizing their components. In contrast, syntax pertains to the arrangement of words to form sentences, semantics deals with meaning and interpretation of words and phrases in context, while phonology refers to the sound system of a language. Each of these areas contributes to language development, but morphology is specifically concerned with word formation.