UNIT

Word Parts

In this unit you will learn the important strategy of analyzing the parts of a word for
information about its meaning. Many words in English can be broken down into several
parts. When you know the meaning and function of some common word parts, you can
guess the meaning of some new words;
remember the meaning of new words better;
increase the number of words you know.
Words in English can have three parts: a root, a prefix, and a suffix.
The root of a word contains the basic meaning.
Example: happy

A prefix is a letter or group of letters that is added before the root to change its
meaning.
Example: un

(not) + happy = unhappy (not happy)

A suffix is a letter or group of letters that is added after the root to change its
grammatical function. (Note that when suffixes are added, the spelling of the root may
change.)
Example: happy

(adjective) + ness = happiness (noun)

Many words are combinations of these parts.

Examples:

create

ive

un
it

break

logic

creative
+
+

able
al

unbreakable
illogical

Word Parts

47

Roots of English Words

Knowing the meanings of some common roots can help you understand the words that are
made from those roots. The words built around a single root are called related words.
There are two types of roots:

Roots that can stand alone as words in English.

Examples:

cheer, happy, usual, break

Roots that cannot stand alone in English. These include many of the roots that come
from Latin, Greek, and other languages. Note that the spelling of the roots from other
languages is often changed when they are part of an English word.
Example: philos (from the Greek word for love) is contained in: philosopher (lover of
knowledge) and bibliophile (lover of books).

EXERCISE 1
Latin roots

annus = year
dictus = say, speak
locatum = place

manus = hand
versum = turn
visus
= see

A. Working with another student, write the word, the root, and the definition if you know it or can
guess it. Then look it up in the dictionary to check your definition.
Example: Because of problems with his vision, Sanjay can no longer drive a car.

Word: vision

Root: visus

Your definition: being able to see

Dictionary definition: ability to see
1. Manual workers with no special training are unlikely to find a job that pays well.

Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
2. If you reverse the flow of water in the experiment, you will get the opposite results
as well.
Word:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:

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Vocabulary Building

Root:

3. Historically, the earliest churches in this region were located outside the city walls.
Root:

Word:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:

4. It was difficult to predict whether the injury would result in death.

Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
5. The bank's annual report gave details of the growth of its activities over the past
twelve months.
Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
6. The dictator ruled his country with an iron hand.
Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
B. The related words in this table are based on the same Latin roots. Write the words from part A
beside the words that have the same root. Then write the dictionary definitions of the related
words.

Word from part A

Related word

Definition of related word

vision

visibility

the distance it is possible to see

revert
visualize
manipulate
anniversary
dictation
local
C. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

Word Parts

49

EXERCISE 2
Greek roots

= life
bios
chronos = time
genos = race, kind
= earth
JHR

logos = word, speak, reason

metron = measure
pathos = suffering, feeling

A. Working with another student, write the word, the root, and the meaning if you know it or can
guess it. Then look it up in the dictionary to check your work.

1. She spoke to him roughly because she didn't want to look lonely and pathetic in
his eyes.
Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
 A new study that includes both men and women shows many gender differences.
Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
3. According to marine biologists, the temperature of the world's oceans has risen in
recent years.
Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
 After much study, we have concluded that there is only one logical solution to this
problem.
Word:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:

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Vocabulary Building

Root:

5. Because schools do not emphasize geography, many children in the United States lack
knowledge about other parts of the world.
Word:
Your definition:

Root:

Dictionary definition:
 The documents in these files are arranged in chronological order from the earliest date
to most recent.
Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
7. Someone has altered the meter for the building so that it no longer shows how much
water is used.
Word:

Root:

Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
B. The related words in this table are based on the same Greek roots. Write the words from part A
beside the words that have the same root. Then write the dictionary definitions of the related
words.

Word from part A

Related word

Definition of related word

sympathy
geocentric
chronicle
dialogue
gene
metric
biodegradable
C. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

Word Parts

51

Prefixes
Since each prefix has a meaning, adding a prefix creates a word with a new meaning.
The following meanings are often added with prefixes:
Negative or opposite
Example:

un + happy = not happy

Number or quantity
Example: bi + cycle = two-wheeled vehicle

7LPH
Example: pre + view

= to look at something before or earlier

Space
Example:

inter + national = between two or more nations

Sometimes a prefix can function like a root.

Examples:

uni (one) + ify (make) = unify

du (two) + et = a piece of music for two performers

EXERCISE 3
A. Study the prefixes that give words a negative meaning. In the items below, all of the words
except one have a prefix with a negative meaning. Working with another student, cross out the
word that does not have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.

Prefixes

Words with a negative meaning

dis- = not, opposite of

in-, im- = not
non- = not
un- = not, opposite of

dissatisfied = not satisfied

incorrect = not correct
nonalcoholic = not containing alcohol
unsympathetic = not sympathetic

Example:

impossible

imagine

imperfect

impersonal

impatient

1. un-

unaware

uncle

unspoken

unable

unbearable

 non3. in-

nonsense

nonverbal

nonsmoking

nonfiction

inaccurate

inspire

incomplete

 dis-

disapprove

diskette

inactive
discontent

normal
infinite

displace

disfavor

im-

52

Vocabulary Building

B. Think of another word with each of the negative prefixes. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.
Write the words and their definitions.

Prefix

Definition

Word

Example:

un1. un-

not physically attractive or beautiful.

unattractive

 non3. in disC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

EXERCISE 4
A. Study the prefixes with a numerical meaning. In the items below, all of the words except one
have a prefix with a numerical meaning. Working with another student, cross out the word that
does not have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.

Prefixes

Words with a numerical meaning

bi- = two
cent- = hundred
du- = two
mono- = one
quad- = four
tri- = three
uni- = one

bicycle = a vehicle with two wheels

century = a hundred years
duplex = a house that is divided to have two homes in it
monogamy = marriage with only one person
quadrangle = a shape that has four sides
triangle = a shape with three sides
unique = the only one of a type

1. uni bi-

united
biped

union

universe

unimportant

uniform

triplets

biannual
trial

biology
tripod

binoculars
triathlon

biceps
tricycle

3. tri quad-

quadrille

quadrant

quadruplets

quality

quadrant

5. cent mono-

central
monotony

centigrade
monocle

centenarian
monograph

centurion
money

centiliter
monolog

7. du-

duplicate

duet

duplicity

durable

dual

Word Parts

53

B. Think of another word with each prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary. Write the words
and their definitions.

Prefix

Definition

Word

1. uni bi3. tri quad5. cent mono7. duC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

EXERCISE
A. Study the prefixes with meaning related to time. In the items below, all of the words except one
have a prefix with a time meaning. Working with another student, cross out the word that does not
have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.

Prefixes

Words with a meaning related to time

post- = after, behind

pre- = before
prime- = first
re- = again

posterity = generations of your family that come after you

predecease = to die before someone else
primitive = belonging to an early or very simple society
reread = to read something again

1. pre-

preview

pretty

precaution

preliminary

prehistoric

 re-

reason

rebuild

renew

rearm

relocate

3. post-

postpone
primary

poster
primer

posterior

posthumous
primrose

postnatal
primacy

 prime-

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Vocabulary Building

primeval

B. Think of another word with each prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary. Write the words
and their definitions.

Prefix

Word

Definition

1. pre re3. post primeC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

EXERCISE 6
A. Study the prefixes that show relationships. In the items below, all of the words except one have
a prefix with a meaning that shows a relationship. Working with another student, cross out the
word that does not have a prefix. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.

Prefixes

Words that show relationships

corn-, con- = with, together

contra- = against
ex- = out, from
inter- = between
sub- = under
super- = above, over
sym-, syn- = same, together
tele- = distant

committee = a group of people who work together

contradict = to express the opposite of a statement
exhale = to breathe out
interpret = to translate one language to another
subterranean = underground
superstructure = the part of a building above ground
synagogue = meeting place for Jewish religious services
teleconference = a conference at which people are in
different places and communicate by phone or video

Word Parts

55

1. corn-

compatible

compatriot

company

comma

community

2. inter-

intermission

interact

interval

intercede

interest

3. sym-, syn-

symmetry

synchronize

symptom

syringe

symphony

 ex-

exit

exercise

exile

exempt

except

5. sub-

subconscious

subordinate

subdivide

sublime

submit

6. tele-

telegram

telescope

telethon

telephoto

teller

7. super-

superficial

superb

supervisor

supersonic

superior

8. contra-

contraindication contract

contrarian

contradiction contraposition

B. Think of another word with each of the prefixes. If necessary, you may use a dictionary. Write
the words and their definitions.

Prefix

Word

Definition

1. corn2. inter3. sym-, syn4. ex5. sub6. tele7. super8. contraC. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

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Vocabulary Building

Suffixes
Since most suffixes are related to grammar, adding a suffix to the end of a word usually
changes the word's part of speech. Notice that when a suffix is added to the end of a root,
the spelling of the root often changes.
Some suffixes form nouns.
Examples: understand

(verb) + ing = understanding

comprehend (verb) + ion = comprehension

happy (adjective) + ness = happiness

Some suffixes form adjectives.

Examples: understand

(verb) + able = understandable

success (noun) +

successful

Some suffixes form adverbs.

Examples: understand

(verb) + ably = understandably

happy (adjective) + ly = happily

EXERCISE 7
A. Study the suffixes that change words into nouns. Working with another student, create nouns by
adding an appropriate suffix to each word below. Write the noun and the meaning if you know it or
can guess it. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.

Suffixes

Nouns

ance, -ancy insure + ance = insurance; truant + ancy = truancy

-ence
differ + ence = difference
-er, -or
teach + er = teacher; act + or = actor
ion, -tion
confuse + ion = confusion; compete + tion = competition
real + ism = realism
-ism
ment
refresh + ment = refreshment
ready + ness = readiness
-ness

Word Parts

57

Suffix

Word

Definition

Noun

Example:

digestion

-ion
1. -ance

digest
endure

 -ence

competent

3. -er

organize

 -or

conquer

5. -ion
 -tion

discuss

7. -ism

mystic

the process of digesting food

delete

 -ment commit
9. -ness
10. -ion

effective
restrict

B. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

EXERCISE 8
A. Study the suffixes that change words into adjectives. Working with another student, create
adjectives by adding an appropriate suffix to each word below. Write the adjective and the meaning
if you know it or can guess it. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.

58

Vocabulary Building

Suffixes

Adjectives

able
-al
-ful
LF
LRXV
-ive
-less
-ous
-y

adore + able = adorable

spine + al = spinal
beauty + ful = beautiful
specify + ic = specific
space + ious = spacious
create + ive = creative
care + less = careless
fame + ous = famous
stick + y = sticky

Suffix

Word

1. -able

conceive

 -al
3. -ful

season
bounty

 -ic

angel

5. -ous

monotony

 -ious

deviate

7. -ive

suggest

 -y

panic

9. -ic

strategy

10. -less

Adjective

Definition

law

B. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

EXERCISE 9
A. Study the suffixes that change words into verbs. Working with another student, create verbs by
adding an appropriate suffix to each word below. Write the verb and the meaning if you know it or
can guess it. If necessary, you may use a dictionary.

Suffixes Verbs

-ate
-ify
-ize
Suffix Word

1. -ate
 -ify

valid

3. -ize

custom

 -ate

equal

5. -ify

quantity

 -ize

economy

Verb

liberty + ate = liberate

significant + ify = signify
final + ize = finaliz.'
Definition

justice

B. Compare your answers with those of another student. If you disagree, use a dictionary to check
your work.

Word Parts

59

EXERCISE 1 0
A. Working with another student, read each word, underline the suffix, and write the part of speech
(noun, adjective, or verb). Then try to guess the meaning of the word and write it down.

Word

Part of speech

Example: meaningless

adjective

Meaning
having no purpose or importance

1. harmonize
2. environmental
3. differentiate
4. ethnic
5. qualitative
6. optional
7. negate
8. identical
9. precedence
10. investigative
B. Compare your answers with those of another pair of students. If you disagree, use a dictionary
to check your work.

EXERCISE 1 1
A. In each sentence find a word with a prefix or suffix that you have worked with in this unit.
Underline the word and write it again, divided into its parts. Then look for the definition in the
dictionary.
Example: The supervisor of the factory expects all the employees to arrive on time every
morning.

Word:

supervisor

Parts: super

or

Definition: someone who oversees a person or activity

1. It was necessary to revise the plan numerous times before everyone could agree.
Word:

Parts:

Definition:
2. The magic show included a woman who claimed she could perform mental telepathy.
Word:
Definition:

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Vocabulary Building

Parts:

3. In any language it is possible to generate an endless number of new sentences.

Word:

Parts:

Definition:
 The young Swiss tennis player has demonstrated his total dominance of the game by
winning ten major tournaments.
Word:

Parts:

Definition:
5. When James Joyce published his novel Ulysses, many critics did not appreciate the
unconventional style of his writing.
Word:

Parts:

Definition:
 The university president was insensitive to the women on the faculty and so he was
fired from his job.
Word:
Definition:

Parts:

7. The firefighters acted heroically to save as many people as possible.

Word:

Parts:

Definition:
 Some European clocks are synchronized by satellite with a clock in Frankfurt,
Germany.
Word:

Parts:

Definition:
9. In his first lecture for the astronomy course, the professor gave a brilliant explanation
of how the universe began.
Word:

Parts:

Definition:
B. Compare your answers with those of another student. If you disagree, use a dictionary to check
your work.

Word Parts

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