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UNIT 4 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 creative

un + break + able unbreakable
it + logic + al 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 manus = hand
dictus = say, speak versum = turn
locatum = place 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: Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:

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

bios = life logos = word, speak, reason

chronos = time metron = measure
genos = race, kind pathos = suffering, feeling
geo = earth

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:
2. 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:
4. After much study, we have concluded that there is only one logical solution to this
problem.
Word: Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:

50 Vocabulary Building
 5. Because schools do not emphasize geography, many children in the United States lack
knowledge about other parts of the world.
Word: Root:
Your definition:
Dictionary definition:
6. 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

• Time
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 dissatisfied = not satisfied
in-, im- = not incorrect = not correct
non- = not nonalcoholic = not containing alcohol
un- = not, opposite of unsympathetic = not sympathetic

Example:
im- impossible imagine imperfect impersonal impatient

1. un- unaware uncle unspoken unable unbearable

2. non- nonsense nonverbal nonsmoking nonfiction normal
3. in- inaccurate inspire inactive incomplete infinite
4. dis- disapprove diskette discontent displace disfavor

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 Word Definition

Example:
unattractive not physically attractive or beautiful.
un-
1. un-
2. non-
3. in-
4. dis-

C. 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 bicycle = a vehicle with two wheels
cent- = hundred century = a hundred years
du- = two duplex = a house that is divided to have two homes in it
mono- = one monogamy = marriage with only one person
quad- = four quadrangle = a shape that has four sides
tri- = three triangle = a shape with three sides
uni- = one unique = the only one of a type

1. uni- united union universe unimportant uniform

2. bi- biped biannual biology binoculars biceps
3. tri- triplets trial tripod triathlon tricycle
4. quad- quadrille quadrant quadruplets quality quadrant
5. cent- central centigrade centenarian centurion centiliter
6. mono- monotony monocle monograph money 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 Word Definition

1. uni-
2. bi-
3. tri-
4. quad-
5. cent-
6. mono-
7. du-

C. 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 posterity = generations of your family that come after you
pre- = before predecease = to die before someone else
prime- = first primitive = belonging to an early or very simple society
re- = again reread = to read something again

1. pre- preview pretty precaution preliminary prehistoric

2. re- reason rebuild renew rearm relocate
3. post- postpone poster posterior posthumous postnatal
4. prime- primary primer primeval primrose primacy

54 Vocabulary Building
 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-
2. re-
3. post-
4. prime-

C. 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 committee = a group of people who work together
contra- = against contradict = to express the opposite of a statement
ex- = out, from exhale = to breathe out
inter- = between interpret = to translate one language to another
sub- = under subterranean = underground
super- = above, over superstructure = the part of a building above ground
sym-, syn- = same, together synagogue = meeting place for Jewish religious services
tele- = distant 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
4. 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. corn-
2. inter-
3. sym-, syn-
4. ex-
5. sub-
6. tele-
7. super-
8. contra-

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

56 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
-ism real + ism = realism
-ment refresh + ment = refreshment
-ness ready + ness = readiness

Word Parts 57
 Suffix Word Noun Definition

Example:
digestion the process of digesting food
-ion digest
1. -ance endure
2. -ence competent
3. -er organize
4. -or conquer
5. -ion discuss
6. -tion delete
7. -ism mystic
8. -ment commit
9. -ness effective
10. -ion 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.

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

58 Vocabulary Building
 Suffix Word Adjective Definition
1. -able conceive
2. -al season
3. -ful bounty
4. -ic angel
5. -ous monotony
6. -ious deviate
7. -ive suggest
8. -y panic
9. -ic strategy
10. -less 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 liberty + ate = liberate
-ify significant + ify = signify
-ize final + ize = finaliz.'

Suffix Word Verb Definition

1. -ate valid
2. -ify justice
3. -ize custom
4. -ate equal
5. -ify quantity
6. -ize economy

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 Meaning
adjective having no purpose or importance
Example: meaningless

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.
supervisor
Parts: super or
Word: +
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: Parts:
Definition:

60 Vocabulary Building
 3. In any language it is possible to generate an endless number of new sentences.
Word: Parts:
Definition:
4. 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:
6. The university president was insensitive to the women on the faculty and so he was
fired from his job.
Word: Parts:
Definition:
7. The firefighters acted heroically to save as many people as possible.
Word: Parts:
Definition:
8. 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 61