Word Parts Introduction

Created By, Ms. Jennifer DukeT.H. Bell Junior High School

Root Word

• A root word is a part of a word. It contains the core meaning of the word.

Common Root Words

ROOT MEANING EXAMPLE-bio- life biology-cycl-, -cyclo- circle, wheel bicycle-graph- writing biography-ton-, -tonos- sound monotone-aud-, -audi- hear audible-cav-, -cava- hollow cave-lud-, -lus- trick elude-strict- draw tight constrict

Prefix

• A prefix is also a word part that cannot stand alone. It is placed at the beginning of a word to change its meaning.

Common Prefixes

PREFIX MEANING EXAMPLEDe- away from, off, down DefendDia- through, across, between DiameterHemi- half HemisphereInter- between, among InteractMis- badly, not, wrongly MisleadNon- not NonfictionOver- above, excessive OvertimePost- after, following PostwarPre- before Preview

Suffix

• A suffix is a word part that is placed at the end of a word to change its meaning.

Common Suffixes

SUFFIX MEANING EXAMPLE-ate to become, to cause vaccinate-dom state, condition freedom-en made of, to become wooden-fy to make, to cause magnify-hood state, condition neighborhood-ible able, likely visible-ish tending to be, like childish-ity state, condition flexibility-ize to make, to cause to be legalize