A root word is described as the "main part" of a word. -A root word is a word in its own right. -This is a word that can stand on its own, without any affixes. -The stem of a word is the part to which affixes are attached. |
Examples of Word Stems: Cat Cats Run Running Learn Relearn Heat Preheat |
An affix
is added to various words in English to create new words. -It is typically placed at the beginning or end of a root word. -Affixes change the meaning of a word and sometimes the part of speech of the word depending on the affix added. -Affixes include prefixes and suffixes. -Affixes have meaning but typically cannot stand on their own. -The meaning of a root word can be changed with the addition of an affix. Note: English does not utilize infixes. |
Examples of Affixes: Leaving Smiled Undo Preview Impatient |
A prefix is added to the beginning of a word in English to create a new word. -Prefixes have meaning of their own and change the meaning of a root word when added to the beginning of that root word. -Prefixes change the meaning of a root word based on the meaning of that prefix. -The meaning of a word with a prefix can typically be determined by identifying the meaning of the prefix and the meaning of the root word. |
Examples of Prefixes and Their Meaning: |
A suffix is added to the end of a word in English to create a new word. -Suffixes have meaning of their own and change the meaning of a root word when added to the end of that root word. -Suffixes change the meaning of a root word based on the meaning of the suffix. It is very common for a suffix to change the part of speech of a word. -The meaning and new part of speech of a word with a suffix can be determined by identifying the meaning of the suffix and the part of speech that it typically creates when added to the end of a root word. |
Examples of Suffixes and Their Meaning: |
Home Watch instructional video Test your knowledge! |