How does a knowledge of word parts help you understand and decipher what read?

Knowing word parts (prefixes, suffixes, and roots) can be incredibly helpful in understanding and deciphering what you read. Here's how:

1. Breaking Down Unfamiliar Words:

* Prefixes: These are word parts added to the beginning of a word. Knowing prefixes like "pre-" (before), "un-" (not), "re-" (again), etc., can help you guess the meaning of a word. For example, "prefix" itself is made up of "pre-" (before) + "fix" (to fasten), so you can infer that it means "to fasten something before."

* Suffixes: These are added to the end of a word. Understanding suffixes like "-ing" (present participle), "-ed" (past tense), "-ly" (adverb), etc., can help you determine the word's grammatical function and meaning. For example, "happily" is made up of "happy" + "-ly," indicating it's an adverb describing how something is done.

* Roots: These are the core meaning of a word. Knowing roots like "graph" (writing), "spect" (to look), "port" (to carry), etc., can help you understand the general concept behind a word. For example, "telegraph" is made up of "tele-" (far) + "graph" (writing), suggesting it's a way to write over long distances.

2. Expanding Vocabulary:

* By recognizing familiar word parts in unfamiliar words, you can quickly deduce their meaning. This accelerates vocabulary building, especially for encountering new words within a text.

* You can also use your knowledge of word parts to create new words, helping you express yourself more precisely and creatively.

3. Improving Comprehension:

* Understanding word parts allows you to grasp the nuances of language and identify the precise meaning of words in context.

* It can help you differentiate between similar words (e.g., "precede" vs. "proceed") by recognizing the subtle distinctions in their prefixes.

Example:

Consider the word "unintelligible." By breaking it down:

* "un-" (not)

* "intellig" (to understand)

* "-ible" (capable of)

We can understand that "unintelligible" means "not capable of being understood."

In conclusion, a knowledge of word parts is a valuable tool for understanding and deciphering what you read. It empowers you to break down complex words, expand your vocabulary, and enhance your comprehension of written materials.