Root word

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Root Word

What is a root word?

Root word is a base part of a word that carries the core meaning to the word itself, it can be a complete word itself, but often not. Root word or word root cannot be broken down into a smaller unit. The basic meaning will always be the same no matter where the placement, unless it is built with a negation word.

What is the difference between a root word and a base word?

Root word cannot always stand alone as a word in English, but base word can stand alone or combined with another word to create new words.

Root Word Origin

There are a few original language source for root words such as, French, German, English, Arabic and Sanskirt. But, the most common used English root words are from Latin and Greek.

What are the examples of a root word?

• aqua/aqu Latin, aqua has a meaning of water. Meaning, any word that has the word aqua is related to water. Example, aquatic (an activity that has to do with water) and aquarium (a place for water creatures).
  
• meter Greek, meter has a meaning of measure. Meaning, any word that has the word meter is related to measure. Example, thermometer (a tool to measure temperature) and centimeter (a unit of length in the metric system).
  

How do you build a new word from a root word?

A root word can be built by adding a prefix or/and suffix to it.
Example,

Prefix + root word

rewrite, re- means "again or back", meaning, to write something again

Root word + suffix

changeable, -able means "can be done", meaning, can be change

Prefix + root word + suffix

disappearance, dis- means "not", -ance means "the act of", meaning, to cease to be visible.

Types of Root Words

Simple Root

The most basic form of root words, example "act", usually the root itself with/or basic suffixes, example "act-ive" (active).

Prefixed Root

A prefix added before the root word to change its meaning, example "pre-vent" (prevent) .

Leading Root Compound

The root word is in the beginning of a longer word from two or more root words, example "aqua-marine" (aquarium, a place for water creatures)

Trailing Root Compound

The root word is at the end (or sometimes in the middle) of a longer word made from two or more words, example "derma-tology" (dermatology, the study of the skin)

Sources:
Danner, H. G & Noone, T.B (2014). A Thesaurus of English Word. United Kingdom: Rowman & Littlefield.
Nikolopoulou, K. (2023, September 13). Root Words | Definition, List & Examples.
https://www.gShrives, C. (n.d.). Word Root: Explanation and examples.rammar-monster.com/glossary/root_of_a_word.htm
Understanding root words guide for KS3 English students - BBC Bitesize. (2023, October 18). BBC Bitesize.