Transcript Significant Vocabulary

An English/Reading Workshop
Student Support Services
Troy University; Troy, AL 36082
OBJECTIVE
To teach you that using Word
Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes
can enhance your English
vocabulary, improve your
spelling, and support reading
comprehension.
First, what is a “Root Word”?

“A root word is a word that has nothing added at the
beginning or end.” (Internetclassroom.com)

“A root word is a real word and you can make new
words from it by adding prefixes and suffixes.
(Internetclassroom.com)

“A root is the basic element of a word, and it is the
foundation on which the meaning of a word is built.”
(Tending to Word Roots)
Root Word Example
“Clear” is a root word.
You can add prefixes (beginning sounds)
and suffixes (ending sounds) to root words
to create “Word Families”.
Example of a Word Family
Clear (root word)
Un- + clear = unclear (prefix + root word)
Clear + -ed = cleared (root word + suffix)
Notice that all of the above words in the word family have
related meanings and easy-to-figure spellings.
Source: Internetclassroom. com (Skillswise factsheet)
Other Examples of Common
Root Words with Suffixes Added
Root
Suffix
Suffix
Use
Useless
Usable
Employ
Employer
Employable
Manage
Management
Manager
Beauty
Beautiful
Beautician
Faith
Faithless
Faithful
Care
Careful
Careless
Other Examples of Common
Root Words with Prefixes Added
Root
Prefix
Prefix
Vent (means to occur,
express, permit, or
release”)*
Prevent (to fail to
permit or occur)*
Event (an occurrence)
Arch (a vaulted form or
supporting foundation)*
Monarch (one ruler
over a kingdom)
Oligarchy (a
government led by a few
self-centered leaders)
Factor (a product or
producer)
Manufacture (to produce
using human labor or
manmade machinery)
Benefactor (a provider
or supporter)
Log (word, documented
record, length, or piece
of bulky material such as
a piece of wood)
Monologue (a lengthy
speech)
Epilogue (a concluding
speech)
Source: Merriam Webster online dictionary
Two Common English Prefixes

Un = not

Re- or Red-
Word Examples: undone;
unequal
Word Examples: Recount,
redo, refill
Think how many words you can formulate just
by learning these two prefixes.
See the handout provided to you for a list of common
prefixes you encounter daily in English words.
Common English Suffixes
Suffixes
Definition
Example
-ate
•
Marked by or
made by
Alienate
-ism
•
The quality or
practice of
Baptism
-en
•
To make
Weaken
-ation or – ition or
tion
•
The act or
condition of
•
The one
committing the
act
-ty or -ity
•
The state of
ic-
•
Associated with
-er, -ier, -ar
Affirmation, Recognition
Teacher, Scholar
Modesty, Honesty
Democratic, Socratic
See the handout provided to you for a list of common suffixes
you encounter daily in English words.
What’s the point . . .

Of knowing prefixes, suffixes and roots?

Watch this video to learn more: Click
here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1uoo
Sd6C4c&feature=related
Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots Review

A fun way to remember the functions of
Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots

Click here: YouTube - "Prefixes, Suffixes, & Roots" Rap
www.educationalrap.com
Practice 1
See how many words you can think of
using the following prefixes. Write them
on the page provided for you.You have 30
seconds.
 dis- (not, opposite of)
 un- (not)
 pre- (before)
 re- (again)

Practice 2

Next, see how many words you can think
of using the following suffixes. Write
them on the page provided for you. You
have 30 seconds.
-ly (characteristic of)
-ing (present participle verb)
-ed (past tense verb)
-s or -es(more than one)
THE END

Please complete an evaluation form and
submit it to SSS staff in the SSS Office.

Enjoy your learning experience here at
Troy University.

SSS Office/ 109 Shackelford Hall Annex;
Troy, AL 36082/ Ph: 334-670-5985