What is root word?

A root word is the core of a word that carries its basic meaning. It's the foundation upon which other word parts (prefixes and suffixes) are added to create new words with related meanings.

Here's a breakdown:

* Foundation of Meaning: The root word provides the essential meaning of the word. For example, the root word "port" means "carry" or "to bring."

* Building Blocks: Prefixes and suffixes can be added to the root word to modify its meaning.

* Prefixes: Go before the root word. For example, "trans" (across) + "port" (carry) = "transport."

* Suffixes: Go after the root word. For example, "port" (carry) + "able" (capable of) = "portable."

* Expanding Vocabulary: Understanding root words can help you decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words. By breaking down words into their components, you can often infer the meaning based on the root word and any added prefixes or suffixes.

Here are some examples:

* Root Word: "graph" (write)

* Words with "graph": autograph, biography, paragraph, graphic, telegraph

* Root Word: "spect" (look)

* Words with "spect": inspect, prospect, retrospective, spectacle, spectator

* Root Word: "struct" (build)

* Words with "struct": construct, instruct, obstruct, structure, infrastructure

By recognizing root words, you can gain a deeper understanding of the English language and build a stronger vocabulary.