1. Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Word Parts
Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

2. Word Parts A word can consist of three parts: Prefix Root Suffix
You can use roots and affixes to break down unfamiliar words and figure out their meanings.

3. Affixes
Prefixes and suffixes are known as affixes because they are affixed (attached to) a root.
Prefixes and suffixes are added to roots to create new words.

4. Root Words vs. Base Words
The root is the base element of the word—the part of the word that contains the basic meaning (definition) of the word.
Roots cannot stand alone and need affixes attached to it to make a word.
The base is a word that can stand alone.

5. Prefixes
A prefix is a syllable(s) forming a word element placed before a root or a word to modify (change) the meaning or make a new word.

6. Suffixes
A suffix is a syllable(s) forming a word element that is placed after a root or a word to modify (change) the meaning or make a new word.
May also modify the word’s part of speech (e.g. noun, verb, adjective, adverb)

7. Examples: Taking Words Apart
 portable = port (carry) + able (capable of). Something that is portable is capable of being carried.
 deport = de (away, from, reverse of) + port (carry). To deport someone is to carry (move) him/her away from a place.
 renew = re (again) + new. To renew something is to make it new again.

8. Common Roots & Affixes Common Roots Common Prefixes Common Suffixes
struct = build
un = not, none
able, ible = capable of
port = carry
pre = before, in advance
ion = act or process; condition
graph = writing
re = again, back
ology = study of
bio = life
sub = under, below
ful = quantity that fills; characterized by
flect, flex = bend
auto = self
less = without, missing
dict, dic = speak, say
de = away from, reverse of
im = in, into
tract = pull