Understanding Root Words

Root Words

• A root word is the simplest form of a word, and it can have endings or beginnings added to it to alter the meaning.
• Knowing root words and their endings can help determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Prefixes

• A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a root word to add to or change its meaning.
• Examples of prefixes:
  • '-un' means 'not'
  • 'pre-' means 'before'
  • 'semi-' means 'part'

Suffixes

• A suffix is a word part added to the end of a root word to add to or change its meaning.
• Examples of suffixes:
  • '-less' means 'without'
  • '-ful' means 'full of'
  • '-ed' is used to show that an action happened in the past

Finding Root Words

• To find the root word, look for prefixes and suffixes that can be removed, including endings that change a verb's tense.
• Examples:
  • 'hopeful' becomes 'hope' when the suffix '-ful' is removed
  • 'undercooked' becomes 'cook' when the prefix 'under-' and suffix '-ed' are removed
  • 'rewrite' becomes 'write' when the prefix 're-' is removed

Using Root Words to Find Meaning

• Break down a word into its parts: prefix, root word, and suffix.
• Analyze each part to understand the meaning of the word.
• Example:
  • 'unconditional' breaks down into 'un-' (not), 'condition' (root word), and '-al' (relating to)
  • Meaning: not related to state, appearance, or quality