These elements form words and phrases in English from "summary" of English Vocabulary Elements by Keith Denning,Brett Kessler,William R. Leben,William Ronald Leben
The basic building blocks of English vocabulary are the elements that combine to form words and phrases. These elements include roots, prefixes, and suffixes, each of which contributes to the meaning of the word. Roots are the core elements of words, providing the main meaning or idea. Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root to modify its meaning, while suffixes are added to the end of a root to change its grammatical function. By understanding how these elements work together, we can decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words and expand our vocabulary. For example, the root "bio" means life, and when combined with the suffix "-logy" (meaning study of), we get the word "biology," which refers to the study of living organisms. Similarly, the prefix "un" added to the root "happy" changes the meaning to "unhappy," indicating a lack of happiness. Words can also be broken down into smaller elements, known as morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning in a word. For example, the word "unhappiness" can be broken down into three morphemes: "un-" (not), "happy" (feeling), and "-ness" (state of being). By analyzing words in this way, we can better understand their meanings and use them more effectively in our own writing and communication. In addition to roots, prefixes, and suffixes, English vocabulary also includes compound words, which are made up of two or more words that are combined to create a new meaning. For example, the words "foot" and "ball" combine to form the compound word "football," which refers to a sport played with a ball kicked by the foot. Understanding how compound words are formed can help us decipher the meanings of unfamiliar terms and expand our vocabulary even further.- By studying the elements that make up English vocabulary, we can gain a deeper understanding of how words are formed and used in the language. This knowledge not only helps us expand our vocabulary but also improves our overall language skills and ability to communicate effectively.
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