Understanding Root Words and Base Words

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Questions and Answers

What is necessary for many root words to form meaningful words in English?

They must always have a prefix.

They should be in Latin only.

They need other root words, prefixes, or suffixes. (correct)

They must be independent words.

Which of the following illustrates how a suffix alters the meaning of a root word?

The root 'scrib' meaning 'to write' becomes 'descriptive' by adding the prefix 'de-'.

The root 'ject' meaning 'to throw' becomes 'eject' with the prefix 'e-' meaning 'out'.

The root 'bio' meaning 'life' becomes 'biology' by adding the suffix '-logy' meaning 'study of'. (correct)

The root 'spect' meaning 'to see' becomes 'inspect' by adding the suffix '-pect'.

Which of the following best describes a compound word's formation?

A compound word must consist of two independent root words.

A compound word can only have Greek roots.

A compound word can combine any root word with a prefix.

A compound word is formed by combining two or more independent words. (correct)

In biological terminology, which root word relates to the concept of life?

Bio- Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about root words is accurate?

Many root words originate from Greek or Latin. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words is derived from the root 'cred'?

Credulous Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the Latin root word 'cred'?

Believe or Trust Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding root words and base words?

Some base words can also function as root words. Signup and view all the answers

What does the suffix in the word 'incredible' indicate?

Without Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of compound words?

They consist of two or more root words combined. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a base word from a root word?

Base words can stand alone, while root words cannot. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples best illustrates a word formed from a suffix?

Management Signup and view all the answers

Which term is an example of a compound word?

Notebook Signup and view all the answers

In biological terminology, what is the significance of root words?

They often indicate the function or location of an organism. Signup and view all the answers

What role do combining vowels play in word formation?

They link root words to suffixes or additional roots. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Root Words and Base Words

Root words can be standalone words but often require affixes to create meaningful terms in English.
Many root words originate from Greek and Latin languages.
Example: The Latin root "cred" translates to "believe" or "trust," forming words like "incredible" but is not a separate English word.

Base Words vs. Root Words

Base words are independent words, while root words may not function as standalone terms.
The terms "base word" and "root word" are frequently confused but have distinct meanings.
Base words can serve as root words when they form the foundation of other words with the addition of prefixes or suffixes.

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Description

This quiz explores the differences between root words and base words in English. Learn about the origins of root words and how they combine with affixes to form new meanings. Differentiate between terms that are often confused, enhancing your vocabulary skills.