Here's a breakdown:
* Core meaning: The root word conveys the fundamental concept or idea. For example, the root word "port" means "to carry."
* Prefixes and suffixes: These are added to the root word to modify its meaning. For instance, "import" (to bring in) and "export" (to send out) both use the root word "port" but with different prefixes.
* Related words: Many words share the same root word and have similar meanings. For example, "portable," "transport," and "report" all stem from the root word "port."
Examples:
* Root word: "graph" (meaning "write")
* Related words: "biography," "autograph," "epigraph," "graphic," "telegraph"
Benefits of understanding root words:
* Vocabulary expansion: Knowing root words helps you learn new words more easily.
* Reading comprehension: Understanding root words can help you decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words.
* Word formation: You can create new words by combining root words with prefixes and suffixes.
By understanding root words, you gain a deeper understanding of the English language and its complexities.