UNIT
Word Parts
In this unit you will learn the important strategy of analyzing the parts of a word for
information about its meaning. Many words in English can be broken down into several
parts. When you know the meaning and function of some common word parts, you can
guess the meaning of some new words;
remember the meaning of new words better;
increase the number of words you know.
Words in English can have three parts: a root, a prefix, and a suffix.
The root of a word contains the basic meaning.
Example: happy
A prefix is a letter or group of letters that is added before the root to change its
meaning.
Example: un
(not) + happy = unhappy (not happy)
A suffix is a letter or group of letters that is added after the root to change its
grammatical function. (Note that when suffixes are added, the spelling of the root may
change.)
Example: happy
(adjective) + ness = happiness (noun)
Many words are combinations of these parts.
Examples:
create
ive
un
it
break
logic
creative
+
+
able
al
unbreakable
illogical
Word Parts
47
Roots of English Words
Knowing the meanings of some common roots can help you understand the words that are
made from those roots. The words built around a single root are called related words.
There are two types of roots:
Roots that can stand alone as words in English.
Examples:
cheer, happy, usual, break
Roots that cannot stand alone in English. These include many of the roots that come
from Latin, Greek, and other languages. Note that the spelling of the roots from other
languages is often changed when they are part of an English word.
Example: philos (from the Greek word for love) is contained in: philosopher (lover of
knowledge) and bibliophile (lover of books).
EXERCISE 1
Latin roots
annus = year
dictus = say, speak
locatum = place
manus = hand
versum = turn
visus
= see
A. Working with another student, write the word, the root, and the definition if you know it or can
guess it. Then look it up in the dictionary to check your definition.
Example: Because of problems with his vision, Sanjay can no longer drive a car.
Word: vision
Root: visus
Your definition: being able to see
Dictionary definition: ability to see
1. Manual workers with no special training are unlikely to find a job that pays well.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
2. If you reverse the flow of water in the experiment, you will get the opposite results
as well.
Word:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
48
Vocabulary Building
Root:
3. Historically, the earliest churches in this region were located outside the city walls.
Root:
Word:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
4. It was difficult to predict whether the injury would result in death.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
5. The bank's annual report gave details of the growth of its activities over the past
twelve months.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
6. The dictator ruled his country with an iron hand.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
B. The related words in this table are based on the same Latin roots. Write the words from part A
beside the words that have the same root. Then write the dictionary definitions of the related
words.
Word from part A
Related word
Definition of related word
vision
visibility
the distance it is possible to see
revert
visualize
manipulate
anniversary
dictation
local
C. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
Word Parts
49
EXERCISE 2
Greek roots
= life
bios
chronos = time
genos = race, kind
= earth
JHR
logos = word, speak, reason
metron = measure
pathos = suffering, feeling
A. Working with another student, write the word, the root, and the meaning if you know it or can
guess it. Then look it up in the dictionary to check your work.
1. She spoke to him roughly because she didn't want to look lonely and pathetic in
his eyes.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
A new study that includes both men and women shows many gender differences.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
3. According to marine biologists, the temperature of the world's oceans has risen in
recent years.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
After much study, we have concluded that there is only one logical solution to this
problem.
Word:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
50
Vocabulary Building
Root:
5. Because schools do not emphasize geography, many children in the United States lack
knowledge about other parts of the world.
Word:
Your definition:
Root:
Dictionary definition:
The documents in these files are arranged in chronological order from the earliest date
to most recent.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
7. Someone has altered the meter for the building so that it no longer shows how much
water is used.
Word:
Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
B. The related words in this table are based on the same Greek roots. Write the words from part A
beside the words that have the same root. Then write the dictionary definitions of the related
words.
Word from part A
Related word
Definition of related word
sympathy
geocentric
chronicle
dialogue
gene
metric
biodegradable
C. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
Word Parts
51
Prefixes
Since each prefix has a meaning, adding a prefix creates a word with a new meaning.
The following meanings are often added with prefixes:
Negative or opposite
Example:
un + happy = not happy
Number or quantity
Example: bi + cycle = two-wheeled vehicle
7LPH
Example: pre + view
= to look at something before or earlier
Space
Example:
inter + national = between two or more nations
Sometimes a prefix can function like a root.
Examples:
uni (one) + ify (make) = unify
du (two) + et = a piece of music for two performers
EXERCISE 3
A. Study the prefixes that give words a negative meaning. In the items below, all of the words
except one have a prefix with a negative meaning. Working with another student, cross out the
word that does not have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Prefixes
Words with a negative meaning
dis- = not, opposite of
in-, im- = not
non- = not
un- = not, opposite of
dissatisfied = not satisfied
incorrect = not correct
nonalcoholic = not containing alcohol
unsympathetic = not sympathetic
Example:
impossible
imagine
imperfect
impersonal
impatient
1. un-
unaware
uncle
unspoken
unable
unbearable
non3. in-
nonsense
nonverbal
nonsmoking
nonfiction
inaccurate
inspire
incomplete
dis-
disapprove
diskette
inactive
discontent
normal
infinite
displace
disfavor
im-
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Vocabulary Building
B. Think of another word with each of the negative prefixes. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Write the words and their definitions.
Prefix
Definition
Word
Example:
un1. un-
not physically attractive or beautiful.
unattractive
non3. in disC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
EXERCISE 4
A. Study the prefixes with a numerical meaning. In the items below, all of the words except one
have a prefix with a numerical meaning. Working with another student, cross out the word that
does not have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Prefixes
Words with a numerical meaning
bi- = two
cent- = hundred
du- = two
mono- = one
quad- = four
tri- = three
uni- = one
bicycle = a vehicle with two wheels
century = a hundred years
duplex = a house that is divided to have two homes in it
monogamy = marriage with only one person
quadrangle = a shape that has four sides
triangle = a shape with three sides
unique = the only one of a type
1. uni bi-
united
biped
union
universe
unimportant
uniform
triplets
biannual
trial
biology
tripod
binoculars
triathlon
biceps
tricycle
3. tri quad-
quadrille
quadrant
quadruplets
quality
quadrant
5. cent mono-
central
monotony
centigrade
monocle
centenarian
monograph
centurion
money
centiliter
monolog
7. du-
duplicate
duet
duplicity
durable
dual
Word Parts
53
B. Think of another word with each prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary. Write the words
and their definitions.
Prefix
Definition
Word
1. uni bi3. tri quad5. cent mono7. duC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
EXERCISE
A. Study the prefixes with meaning related to time. In the items below, all of the words except one
have a prefix with a time meaning. Working with another student, cross out the word that does not
have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Prefixes
Words with a meaning related to time
post- = after, behind
pre- = before
prime- = first
re- = again
posterity = generations of your family that come after you
predecease = to die before someone else
primitive = belonging to an early or very simple society
reread = to read something again
1. pre-
preview
pretty
precaution
preliminary
prehistoric
re-
reason
rebuild
renew
rearm
relocate
3. post-
postpone
primary
poster
primer
posterior
posthumous
primrose
postnatal
primacy
prime-
54
Vocabulary Building
primeval
B. Think of another word with each prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary. Write the words
and their definitions.
Prefix
Word
Definition
1. pre re3. post primeC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
EXERCISE 6
A. Study the prefixes that show relationships. In the items below, all of the words except one have
a prefix with a meaning that shows a relationship. Working with another student, cross out the
word that does not have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Prefixes
Words that show relationships
corn-, con- = with, together
contra- = against
ex- = out, from
inter- = between
sub- = under
super- = above, over
sym-, syn- = same, together
tele- = distant
committee = a group of people who work together
contradict = to express the opposite of a statement
exhale = to breathe out
interpret = to translate one language to another
subterranean = underground
superstructure = the part of a building above ground
synagogue = meeting place for Jewish religious services
teleconference = a conference at which people are in
different places and communicate by phone or video
Word Parts
55
1. corn-
compatible
compatriot
company
comma
community
2. inter-
intermission
interact
interval
intercede
interest
3. sym-, syn-
symmetry
synchronize
symptom
syringe
symphony
ex-
exit
exercise
exile
exempt
except
5. sub-
subconscious
subordinate
subdivide
sublime
submit
6. tele-
telegram
telescope
telethon
telephoto
teller
7. super-
superficial
superb
supervisor
supersonic
superior
8. contra-
contraindication contract
contrarian
contradiction contraposition
B. Think of another word with each of the prefixes. If necessary, you may use a dictionary. Write
the words and their definitions.
Prefix
Word
Definition
1. corn2. inter3. sym-, syn4. ex5. sub6. tele7. super8. contraC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
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Vocabulary Building
Suffixes
Since most suffixes are related to grammar, adding a suffix to the end of a word usually
changes the word's part of speech. Notice that when a suffix is added to the end of a root,
the spelling of the root often changes.
Some suffixes form nouns.
Examples: understand
(verb) + ing = understanding
comprehend (verb) + ion = comprehension
happy (adjective) + ness = happiness
Some suffixes form adjectives.
Examples: understand
(verb) + able = understandable
success (noun) +
successful
Some suffixes form adverbs.
Examples: understand
(verb) + ably = understandably
happy (adjective) + ly = happily
EXERCISE 7
A. Study the suffixes that change words into nouns. Working with another student, create nouns by
adding an appropriate suffix to each word below. Write the noun and the meaning if you know it or
can guess it. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Suffixes
Nouns
ance, -ancy insure + ance = insurance; truant + ancy = truancy
-ence
differ + ence = difference
-er, -or
teach + er = teacher; act + or = actor
ion, -tion
confuse + ion = confusion; compete + tion = competition
real + ism = realism
-ism
ment
refresh + ment = refreshment
ready + ness = readiness
-ness
Word Parts
57
Suffix
Word
Definition
Noun
Example:
digestion
-ion
1. -ance
digest
endure
-ence
competent
3. -er
organize
-or
conquer
5. -ion
-tion
discuss
7. -ism
mystic
the process of digesting food
delete
-ment commit
9. -ness
10. -ion
effective
restrict
B. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
EXERCISE 8
A. Study the suffixes that change words into adjectives. Working with another student, create
adjectives by adding an appropriate suffix to each word below. Write the adjective and the meaning
if you know it or can guess it. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
58
Vocabulary Building
Suffixes
Adjectives
able
-al
-ful
LF
LRXV
-ive
-less
-ous
-y
adore + able = adorable
spine + al = spinal
beauty + ful = beautiful
specify + ic = specific
space + ious = spacious
create + ive = creative
care + less = careless
fame + ous = famous
stick + y = sticky
Suffix
Word
1. -able
conceive
-al
3. -ful
season
bounty
-ic
angel
5. -ous
monotony
-ious
deviate
7. -ive
suggest
-y
panic
9. -ic
strategy
10. -less
Adjective
Definition
law
B. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
EXERCISE 9
A. Study the suffixes that change words into verbs. Working with another student, create verbs by
adding an appropriate suffix to each word below. Write the verb and the meaning if you know it or
can guess it. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Suffixes Verbs
-ate
-ify
-ize
Suffix Word
1. -ate
-ify
valid
3. -ize
custom
-ate
equal
5. -ify
quantity
-ize
economy
Verb
liberty + ate = liberate
significant + ify = signify
final + ize = finaliz.'
Definition
justice
B. Compare your answers with those of another student. If you disagree, use a dictionary to check
your work.
Word Parts
59
EXERCISE 1 0
A. Working with another student, read each word, underline the suffix, and write the part of speech
(noun, adjective, or verb). Then try to guess the meaning of the word and write it down.
Word
Part of speech
Example: meaningless
adjective
Meaning
having no purpose or importance
1. harmonize
2. environmental
3. differentiate
4. ethnic
5. qualitative
6. optional
7. negate
8. identical
9. precedence
10. investigative
B. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.
EXERCISE 1 1
A. In each sentence find a word with a prefix or suffix that you have worked with in this unit.
Underline the word and write it again, divided into its parts. Then look for the definition in the
dictionary.
Example: The supervisor of the factory expects all the employees to arrive on time every
morning.
Word:
supervisor
Parts: super
or
Definition: someone who oversees a person or activity
1. It was necessary to revise the plan numerous times before everyone could agree.
Word:
Parts:
Definition:
2. The magic show included a woman who claimed she could perform mental telepathy.
Word:
Definition:
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Vocabulary Building
Parts:
3. In any language it is possible to generate an endless number of new sentences.
Word:
Parts:
Definition:
The young Swiss tennis player has demonstrated his total dominance of the game by
winning ten major tournaments.
Word:
Parts:
Definition:
5. When James Joyce published his novel Ulysses, many critics did not appreciate the
unconventional style of his writing.
Word:
Parts:
Definition:
The university president was insensitive to the women on the faculty and so he was
fired from his job.
Word:
Definition:
Parts:
7. The firefighters acted heroically to save as many people as possible.
Word:
Parts:
Definition:
Some European clocks are synchronized by satellite with a clock in Frankfurt,
Germany.
Word:
Parts:
Definition:
9. In his first lecture for the astronomy course, the professor gave a brilliant explanation
of how the universe began.
Word:
Parts:
Definition:
B. Compare your answers with those of another student. If you disagree, use a dictionary to check
your work.
Word Parts
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