What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
declension
Example
In Latin, there are five declensions for nouns, each with its own set of endings. [declensions: noun]
Example
The declension of the adjective depends on the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. [declension: noun]
morphology
Example
Morphology is concerned with the smallest units of meaning in a language, called morphemes. [morphology: noun]
Example
The word 'unhappiness' can be broken down into three morphemes: 'un-', 'happy', and '-ness'. [morphemes: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Morphology is a more common term than declension in everyday language, as it is applicable to all languages and covers a broader range of topics. Declension is more commonly used in the context of inflected languages, such as Latin, German, or Russian.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between declension and morphology?
Both declension and morphology are technical terms used primarily in academic or linguistic contexts. However, declension may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with inflected languages and traditional grammar studies.
