What is the meaning of root word

A root word is the basic form of a word, without any prefixes or suffixes. It's the core meaning of the word, and it often comes from a different language, usually Latin or Greek.

Here's a breakdown:

* Base: The core of the word, containing the fundamental meaning.

* Prefix: A word part added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning.

* Suffix: A word part added to the end of a root word to change its meaning or grammatical function.

Example:

* Word: "unbelievable"

* Root word: "believe"

* Prefix: "un" (meaning "not")

* Suffix: "able" (meaning "capable of")

Importance of Root Words:

* Understanding word meanings: Knowing root words helps you decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words.

* Expanding vocabulary: By recognizing root words, you can infer the meaning of words with prefixes and suffixes.

* Improving reading comprehension: A strong understanding of root words makes it easier to grasp complex vocabulary and concepts.

* Building vocabulary: Studying root words and their variations helps you build a wider vocabulary.

Here are some common root words and their meanings:

* -graph: write (e.g., autograph, biography)

* -phon: sound (e.g., telephone, symphony)

* -geo: earth (e.g., geography, geology)

* -bio: life (e.g., biology, biography)

* -port: carry (e.g., transport, export)

By understanding root words, you can unlock the meaning of countless words and strengthen your overall vocabulary.