Here's a breakdown:
* Foundation: Think of a root word as the foundation of a house. It's the essential part that gives the structure its stability.
* Meaning: The root word provides the core meaning of the word, even if it's modified.
* Building Blocks: Other elements like prefixes and suffixes are like building blocks that are added to the root word, creating variations in meaning and function.
Examples:
* "Act" is the root word for "action," "active," "react," and "interact." All these words share the basic meaning of doing something.
* "Graph" is the root word for "telegraph," "biography," and "autograph." They all relate to the concept of writing or recording.
* "Struct" is the root word for "construct," "destruct," and "infrastructure." They all relate to building or forming something.
Understanding root words is helpful for:
* Vocabulary Building: Knowing root words helps you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.
* Spelling: It can make it easier to remember how to spell related words.
* Reading Comprehension: Identifying root words can help you decipher the meaning of complex words in a text.
Key points:
* Root words are often Latin or Greek in origin.
* They are usually single-syllable words.
* They can be nouns, verbs, or adjectives.
By learning common root words, you can significantly expand your vocabulary and improve your language skills.