Here's a breakdown:
* Core meaning: The root word holds the fundamental meaning of the word. For example, the root word "scrib" means "to write" in words like "scribe," "inscribe," and "scribble."
* Building new words: Prefixes and suffixes are added to the root word to modify its meaning or create new words. For example, "un-" can be added to "happy" to create "unhappy," changing the meaning to "not happy."
* Understanding word relationships: Knowing root words helps you understand the relationships between words and their meanings. For example, "photography" and "photogenic" share the root word "photo," indicating a connection to light.
Examples of Root Words:
* "graph" (write): "graph," "graphic," "autograph," "epigraph"
* "spect" (look): "inspect," "spectacle," "prospect," "retrospect"
* "port" (carry): "transport," "import," "export," "portable"
Benefits of Understanding Root Words:
* Improved vocabulary: You can learn new words by understanding their root words and their prefixes/suffixes.
* Better reading comprehension: Recognizing root words makes it easier to understand the meanings of unfamiliar words.
* Enhanced writing skills: Using root words helps you create more precise and varied language.
By studying root words, you can gain a deeper understanding of English vocabulary and improve your language skills.