Here's a breakdown:
* Base: The base of a word is the fundamental part that carries the core meaning.
* Root: The root is a base that is often derived from a language's original form. It's the most basic unit of meaning and can't be broken down further.
Examples:
* Word: "Unbelievable"
* Base: "believe"
* Root: "cred" (Latin for "believe")
Here's how the word "unbelievable" is built:
* Root: "cred" (meaning "believe")
* Suffix: "-able" (meaning "capable of")
* Prefix: "un-" (meaning "not")
Therefore, "unbelievable" means "not capable of being believed."
Identifying Bases and Roots:
* Look for the core meaning: The base or root is the part of the word that conveys the fundamental concept.
* Consider prefixes and suffixes: These are added to the base or root to modify its meaning.
* Use dictionaries and etymology resources: These resources can help you trace the origins of words and identify their base or root.
Knowing the bases and roots of words can be helpful for:
* Understanding the meaning of words: You can break down complex words into their core components and understand their meaning more easily.
* Expanding your vocabulary: You can use bases and roots to create new words and understand their meanings.
* Improving your reading comprehension: You can better understand the nuances of language and how words are used in different contexts.