Understanding Prefixes
* Prefixes are word parts added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning.
* They often carry a specific meaning or function.
Remembering Meaning
When you encounter a new word with a familiar prefix, you can use the following strategies:
1. Break Down the Word: Isolate the prefix and the root word.
2. Recall the Prefix Meaning: Think about what the prefix usually means. For example:
* "pre-" means before
* "un-" means not
* "re-" means again
3. Combine Meanings: Combine the meaning of the prefix with the meaning of the root word to understand the whole word's meaning.
Example:
* "Prehistoric"
* "Pre-" means before
* "Historic" means related to history
* "Prehistoric" means before history (referring to the time period before written records)
Benefits of Using Prefixes:
* Vocabulary Expansion: Prefixes unlock the meaning of many words you might not have known before.
* Reading Comprehension: Understanding prefixes helps you decipher complex words and improve your overall reading comprehension.
* Writing Skills: Knowing prefixes allows you to use more sophisticated vocabulary in your writing.
Practice:
The more you practice recognizing and understanding prefixes, the easier it will become to decode the meaning of unfamiliar words.