They consist of roots, prefixes, and suffixes from "summary" of English Vocabulary Elements by Keith Denning,Brett Kessler,William R. Leben,William Ronald Leben
English words are not arbitrary collections of letters. Instead, they are made up of smaller meaningful units that combine to create meaning. These units are called roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Roots are the core of a word and carry its basic meaning. They are usually derived from Latin or Greek and have specific meanings that contribute to the overall meaning of the word. Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root to modify its meaning. They can change the tense, number, or part of speech of a word. Suffixes, on the other hand, are added to the end of a root and can change the word's meaning or indicate its grammatical function. They can signal the word's tense, number, or whether it is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.
By understanding the meanings of roots, prefixes, and suffixes, we can decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words. For example, if we encounter the word "unhappiness," we can break it down into "un-" (a prefix meaning "not"), "happy" (the root), and "-ness" (a suffix indicating a state or condition). By analyzing these parts, we can understand that "unhappiness" refers to the state of not being happy. Prefixes, and suffixes can also help us expand our vocabulary and improve our reading and writing skills. By recognizing common prefixes and suffixes, we can quickly grasp the meanings of new words and use them accurately in context. This knowledge allows us to communicate more effectively and understand texts more easily. In essence, roots, prefixes, and suffixes are the building blocks of English vocabulary, enabling us to unlock the meanings of words and enhance our language skills.
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