In the word ecologists, is eco the root morpheme or ology? Are the morphemes eco, log, y, ist, s or

ec, ology, ist, s ?

This is very confusing for me. Any explanation on how to find the root would be appreciated. It's easy to find roots on some words, but words like ecology, financially, and contributions are more difficult. I'm not sure about the morphemes either.

For example, on contributions are the morphemes con, trib, ute, ion, s or con, tribute, ion, s?

To find the root morpheme in a word, you need to break it down into its constituent morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning in a word. Here's an explanation of how to find the root morpheme in different words:

1. Ecologists:
- The word "ecologists" consists of the morphemes "eco" and "logists."
- To determine the root morpheme, we need to identify the part of the word that carries the primary meaning.
- In this case, "eco" represents the root morpheme as it is derived from the Greek word "oikos," meaning "house" or "habitat." It is related to the study of ecosystems and the environment.
- "Logists" is a suffix that means "one who studies," but it does not contribute to the core meaning of the word.

2. Contributions:
- The word "contributions" consists of the morphemes "con," "tribute," "ion," and "s."
- To identify the root morpheme, we look for the central meaning of the word.
- In this case, "tribute" represents the root morpheme. It comes from the Latin word "tributum," meaning "payment" or "contribution."
- "Con" is a prefix meaning "together" or "with," while "ion" is a suffix indicating an action or process.
- "S" is a suffix in the plural form, but it does not contribute to the root meaning.

It can sometimes be challenging to identify root morphemes, especially in complex words. Here are some general tips to help you:

1. Look for common word parts: Familiarize yourself with common prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Knowing these will make it easier to identify the root morpheme.
2. Consult a dictionary: If you're unsure, a dictionary can provide you with the etymology and breakdown of a word's morphemes. It will help you understand which part carries the primary meaning.
3. Learn word origins: Understanding the historical origins of words and etymology can provide insights into the root morphemes.
4. Practice: The more you analyze words and break them down into their morphemes, the better you'll get at identifying the root morpheme.

Remember that identifying root morphemes becomes easier with practice and exposure to different words.