* -a-: This is a vowel-based morpheme often used as a linking vowel in words. It can be used to connect a stem and a suffix, or to connect two parts of a compound word.
* -te: This is the suffixal morpheme that actually carries meaning. It typically indicates a state or action associated with the verb stem it's attached to.
Here's how it works:
1. The "-ate" suffix is almost always attached to verb stems.
2. It often creates verbs that describe actions or processes.
3. The meaning of "-ate" can vary depending on the specific word.
Examples:
* activate: to make active (from the verb "active")
* create: to make or bring into existence (from the verb "create")
* educate: to teach or instruct (from the noun "education")
Note: Sometimes "-ate" is also attached to nouns or adjectives to create verbs, but this is less common. For example, "carbonate" (from the noun "carbonate") or "elucidate" (from the adjective "lucid").
It's crucial to remember that "-ate" itself doesn't have a singular meaning. It's the combination of "-a-" and "-te" that creates a specific meaning when attached to a verb stem.