Using Common Root Words

Key Vocabulary:

  • Affix: A prefix or suffix that comes before or after a root word, respectively.

    • Prefix: An affix that comes before the root word.

    • Suffix: An affix that comes after the root word.

  • Context Clues: Pieces of information within a text that help the reader understand the meaning of a word.

  • Root: A simple word, before affixes (prefixes or suffixes) are added to it. Root words are the basis of our entire word study and a major word part.

Key Points:

Word structures can include:

  • Root + Root

  • Prefix + Root

  • Root + Suffix

  • A combination of these (even Prefix + Root + Suffix words)

Here are a couple of examples of root words, their meanings, and examples of words that contain those roots. Later in this lesson series, I will provide you with a list of common roots to study for your exam.

Root

Meaning

Example

Cred

Believe

Credible
(believable)

Arbor

Tree

Arboretum
(an area of land with different types of trees)

Why do we need to know this skill? 

Throughout your career, you will encounter different words that you may or may not know the meanings of. You can use your knowledge of root words to help you define them and understand their meanings.

You should remember these question types from the previous lesson! They are the types of questions you may see on your exam. We will practice with these throughout this lesson!

Question Type 1: What is the meaning of the word ______?
Question Type 2: What is the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence?
Question Type 3: What word meaning “_____” best fits in the sentence? 
Question Type 4: Which word has a similar meaning to the word _______?

Time for some examples!

What is the meaning of the word “chronological”?

You can approach this in two ways: 

  • Call upon your knowledge of root word meanings.

  • Create context. Ask yourself: “Where have I seen or heard these words before?”

Ok, so I know a few things about this word already. I understand that the root word “logical” means “rational” or “clear.” Now I need to think about the prefix “chrono”.

I know that the word “chronic” is sometimes used to describe pain. And I know that chronic means ‘persisting for a long time’. I can infer that chronic has to do with time.