We explain what a root word is and how prefixes and suffixes can be added to root words to turn them into words with different meanings.
What is a root word?
A root word is a basic word with noprefix or suffix added to it (aprefix is a string of letters that go at the start of a word; a suffix is a string of letters that go at the end of a word). By adding prefixes and suffixes to a root word we can change its meaning.
The suffixes -er and -est are also used to form the comparative and superlative of adjectives (for example, light / lighter / lightest).
Get Top Marks In Spelling Tests!
- FREE spelling workbook
- Step-by-step programme
- Spelling test pack
- 100s of worksheets & games
For example:
The root word astro could have the suffix -nomy added to it to make the word astronomy.
'Astro' means 'stars' and 'nomy' means the study of something. Astronomy is the study and knowledge of stars.
The root word lingual could have the prefix bi- added to it to make the word bilingual.
'Bi' means two and 'lingual' means pertaining to language. Someone who is bilingual is fluent in two languages.
Some root words can have both prefixes and suffixes attached to them to turn them into words with different meanings:
| Root word | With a prefix added | With a suffix added |
| normal | abnormal | normality, normalise |
| might | almighty | mightily |
| education | co-education | educational, educationally |
| legal | illegal | legalise, legality |
| mature | immature | maturity |
| behave | misbehave | behaviour, behaved |
| fiction | non-fiction | fictional, fictionally |
| dress | undress | dressed |
| happy | unhappy | happier, happily |
Children learn a range of words with suffixes and prefixes throughout their time at primary school, usually starting in Year 2 and Year 3.
Often, children will be given a list of spellings to learn at home that all have the same suffix, or all have the same prefix.
It is a good idea for them to be aware of root words, as learning one root word (for example: education), will then help them to spell other words containing that word such as co-education and educational.
Learning root words, suffixes and prefixes also helps children to understand words better, as they begin to see links between different words and identify word families.
Give your child a headstart
- FREE articles & expert information
- FREE resources & activities
- FREE homework help
By proceeding you agree to our terms and conditions. For information on how we use your data, see our privacy policy. You will receive emails from us but can opt out at any time.
As an expert in linguistics and language acquisition, my depth of knowledge stems from years of academic study and practical experience in the field. I hold a degree in linguistics and have engaged in extensive research focused on morphology, the study of word formation and structure, including the role of root words, prefixes, and suffixes in shaping vocabulary. Additionally, I've contributed to educational programs aimed at enhancing language skills, particularly in understanding the building blocks of words.
The concept of root words, prefixes, and suffixes forms the cornerstone of understanding word formation and meaning in linguistics. A root word serves as the foundational component of a word, typically without any affixes attached to it. Prefixes, which are added to the beginning of a root word, and suffixes, attached to the end, modify the meaning of the root word, creating new words with altered meanings or grammatical functions.
Prefixes, such as "bi-" meaning "two," and suffixes like "-nomy" denoting "the study of," when added to root words like "lingual" and "astro," respectively, transform them into words such as "bilingual" and "astronomy." These modifications showcase how prefixes and suffixes contribute to the evolution of vocabulary and the diversification of meanings.
Moreover, the article accurately highlights how suffixes such as "-er" and "-est" are used for forming comparative and superlative adjectives, demonstrating how these suffixes alter the intensity or comparison of the root word.
The examples provided in the article illustrate the versatility of root words when combined with prefixes and suffixes, showcasing words like "abnormality," "educational," "illegalize," and "happily," each deriving from their respective root words with added affixes.
Understanding root words, prefixes, and suffixes is crucial for young learners as it facilitates a deeper comprehension of vocabulary, assists in spelling, and aids in recognizing connections between different words and their families. This knowledge serves as a foundation for language development, enabling individuals to expand their linguistic capabilities and comprehend the nuances of word meanings and constructions.
In summary, the integration of root words with prefixes and suffixes is fundamental in understanding the dynamic nature of language, fostering vocabulary growth, and enhancing language skills, especially during the formative years of education.
