Context Clues, Roots, and Affixes

When you use other words in the text (its context) to help you determine the meaning of an unknown word

I: Inference

D: Definition

E: Example

A: Antonym

S: Synonym

When you can use what the sentence says to make a guess about what the word means

Example: He was a formidable tennis player, and many of his opponents didn't stand a chance against him.

If his opponents didn't stand a chance, that means he must be pretty good, so you can infer what formidable means.

When the definition of the word is given in the sentence

Example: He was a formidable tennis player, and his power and strength earned him the attention and respect of his coaches.

This helps you to define the word.

When there is an example given that can help you determine the meaning of the word

Example: As a formidable tennis player, he easily beat every opponent with his superb skill and strength.

When the opposite of the word is given in the sentence/surrounding sentences, allowing you to determine the meaning of the word.

Example: I am a weak, poor tennis player. I hope with enough practice I can become a formidable opponent on the court.

When a synonym of the word is given in the sentence/surrounding sentences

He was a formidable tennis player, and his fierce and imposing ways often intimidated his opponents.

The main basis of a new word

Ambi= both

Aqua= water

Aud= to hear

bene= good

dict= to say

fract= to break

srib/scribe= to write

Parts of the word added before (prefix) or after (suffix) the root

Pre= before, in front of (prefix, pretax, prequel)

in/non/un/im= not (inadequate, nonfat, undo, impossible).

dis= lack of, apart, not (disappear, disconnect)

mis= wrong (misstep, miscommunicate)

able/ible= able to (understandable, visible)

ful= full of (graceful, beautiful)

less= without (meaningless, pointless)

ment= action/resulting state (resentment, retirement)

ly= in a specified manner (quickly, carefully)

Take a word such as unsuccessfully

break it down into roots and affixes

un-success-ful-ly

we know that un- means not, -ful means ful, and -ly means in a certain way, so we can figure out that this means not in a way that is full of success.

inaudible

break it down into roots and affixes

in-aud-ible

not-to hear-able

not able to be heard

ambidextrous

break it down into roots and affixes

ambi-dext-(r)ous

both-right hand-full of

ability to use both hands skillfully