What is a root word?

It's not tree roots that for sure!

Root Words

A root word is the most basic form of word that would have suffixes or prefixes added to it.

Root Words

some root words are different to others like 'decision'

'desci' is not a root word, what could it be?

So why learn this?

learning root words help you understand unfamiliar words

Example

the root word 'consider' means to think about it.

'-ate' is a verb for showing to others.

So 'considerate' must be to show that you thought about others.

Example

the root word 'curious' means wanting to know more of.

'-ity' is a showing my situation right now.

So 'curiosity' it to show that I am want to know right now.

Example

​The word megaphone is often used by itself simply to mean something that is “large.”

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the root word 'mega' means something that is large.

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So 'megaphone' is an instrument that makes a ‘large’ sound

Example

​The word minor, such as a problem, is small and of lesser importance than other things.

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the root word 'min' means something lessen, make smaller.

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​So 'minor' is a small and of lesser importance than other things.