|
There are three kinds of word parts in English: prefixes, roots, and suffixes. A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word. A root is a basic unit of meaning in the language. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word. Prefix A prefix is a group of letters that is attached to the beginning of a word root. Some prefixes, when added to a root, make a new word with a different meaning. Root A root is the main part of a word. The root carries the basic meaning. In English, there are two types of roots: base words (words that can stand alone) and combining roots (words that cannot stand alone but must be combined with a prefix, suffix, or both to form a complete word). Suffix A suffix is a letter or group of letters that is added to the end of a root. Most suffixes change a base word from one part of speech to another. Suffixes can also change a base from single to plural or present tense to past tense. |