Root Words

Words can often be easier to understand if you break them into
smaller parts.

A word root is a word part that contains the core meaning of the
word. You may not realize it, but many English words contain roots
that come from older languages, such as Greek and Latin.

If you know the meanings of common word roots, you can often
figure out the meanings of unfamiliar words with those roots. In
other words, learning more about roots can help you build your
vocabulary.

Word Roots

As you begin to study roots, it's important to be aware of prefixes
and suffixes. Both prefixes and suffixes can change the meaning of a
word.

A prefix is a small word part attached to the beginning of a word,
such as in- in incredible.

A suffix is a small word part attached to the end of a word, such as
–ible in edible.

Prefixes & Suffixes

If you don't know the meaning of a
word, look for a root you may have
seen before. Fin is a Latin root. Think
about words you know that have fin as a
root.

Read the passage. What do you think
fin means? Get ready to select your answer!

Shared Word Roots

The roots viv and vita mean
"alive, life."

After you read the
passage on the right, use the
meaning of the root and the
context clues to answer the next
question.

Word Roots & Context Clues