When you come across an unfamiliar word divide the into parts to examine each syllable ad thus uncover part of meaning?

You're describing a great strategy for deciphering unfamiliar words! Here's how it works:

Breaking Down Words:

1. Syllabification: Divide the word into its syllables. This can be done by listening to how the word is pronounced or by applying rules of syllabification (e.g., vowels generally create syllables).

2. Root Word Identification: Look for the base or root word within the syllables. This is the core meaning of the word.

3. Prefix and Suffix Analysis: Examine any prefixes (word parts added at the beginning) and suffixes (word parts added at the end). These often provide clues about the word's meaning, function, or grammatical role.

4. Context Clues: Consider the surrounding words and the overall context of the sentence or passage. This can help you understand how the word is being used and infer its meaning.

Example:

Let's say you encounter the word "unintelligible."

1. Syllabification: Un-in-tel-li-gi-ble

2. Root Word: "intellig" is the root word, related to "intelligence."

3. Prefix: "un-" means "not" or "opposite of."

4. Suffix: "-ible" indicates something that can be done or is capable of being done.

Putting it together, "unintelligible" means "not capable of being understood."

Tips:

* Dictionary: A dictionary is your best friend for finding the precise meaning of words.

* Etymology: Looking up the origin of a word (its etymology) can provide valuable insights.

* Practice: The more you practice this technique, the more fluent you'll become at breaking down words and figuring out their meanings.

Remember, understanding word parts can unlock a wealth of knowledge and make reading and writing more enjoyable and accessible!