Words with spelling connections have meaning connections. Morpheme pronunciation varies when spelling doesn’t: define → definition, sign → signal . We never know the pronunciation of a morpheme until it lands in a word (real spelling). Good readers notice meaningful parts of words—and make connections between words related in meaning—and spelling. Pattern recognition reduces the load on memory. Words that share structural elements at the morpheme level activate memory, especially when spelling reveals these connections: science → conscious → omniscient.
Nancy Cushen White has no relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
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