* Prefixes: These are word parts added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning (e.g., "un-" in "unhappy"). Knowing prefixes helps you understand words you haven't seen before, as you can often deduce the meaning from the prefix and the base word.
* Suffixes: These are word parts added to the end of a word to change its function (e.g., "-ing" in "running"). Suffixes help you understand how a word is used in a sentence (verb, noun, adjective, etc.).
* Roots: These are the core meaning of a word. Knowing common roots helps you understand related words (e.g., "bio" meaning "life" in "biology," "biography," "biodegradable," etc.).
However, just learning these parts isn't enough. You also need to:
* Learn the meanings of the base words that these parts are attached to.
* Practice using these words in context.
* Expose yourself to a variety of reading materials to encounter these words in different contexts and learn their nuances.
Think of it like building a house. You need strong foundations (roots, prefixes, suffixes) to build a sturdy structure (vocabulary). But you also need the right materials (base words) and skilled craftsmanship (practice and exposure) to build a beautiful and functional home.