1. Understand Affixes
* Prefixes: These come *before* the root word and modify its meaning (e.g., "un-" in "unhappy").
* Suffixes: These come *after* the root word and modify its meaning or grammatical function (e.g., "-ing" in "running").
2. Break Down the Word
* Identify the core meaning: Focus on the core idea the word conveys.
* Look for familiar parts: Do any parts of the word seem like standalone words you know?
* Consider common prefixes and suffixes: Familiarize yourself with common prefixes and suffixes and their meanings.
3. Remove the Affixes
* Prefixes: Remove the prefix and see if the remaining word makes sense.
* Suffixes: Remove the suffix and see if the remaining word makes sense.
4. Check for Meaning
* The remaining word should still have a clear and related meaning to the original word.
Examples:
* "Unbelievable": "Un-" is the prefix, "believe" is the root word, and "-able" is the suffix. The root word "believe" still retains the core meaning of the original word.
* "Prehistoric": "Pre-" is the prefix and "historic" is the root word. The root word "historic" keeps the essential meaning of the word.
Tips:
* Use a dictionary: If you are unsure about a word, consult a dictionary. It will often list the root word and affixes.
* Practice: The more you practice identifying root words, the easier it becomes.
Remember: Sometimes words can have multiple layers of affixes or compound root words, making the process a bit more complex. But the core principle remains the same: find the core meaning and eliminate the affixes to reveal the root.