Root word

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Root Word
Definition
Root Word vs. Base Word
Example
How to Build
Commonly Used Root Word
Sources

• 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.

• 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.

• Is there another language root word that's commonly used in English words?
  

Latin and Greek are a common language that is used as a root word.

Sources:
Danner, H. G & Noone, T.B (2014). A Thesaurus of English Word. United Kingdom: Rowman & Littlefield. https://www.drnishikantjha.com/papersCollection/A-Thesaurus-of-English-W-265.pdf
Nikolopoulou, K. (2023, September 13). Root Words | Definition, List & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved June 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/language-rules/root-words/
Shrives, C. (n.d.). Word Root: Explanation and examples. https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/root_of_a_word.htm
Understanding root words guide for KS3 English students - BBC Bitesize. (2023, October 18). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zbmv2sg/articles/zkpgr2p#Introduction%20to%20Understanding%20Root%20Words