© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Chapter 4: Building Vocabulary:

Using Word Parts

Essential Reading Skills

Third EditionKathleen McWhorter

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

What Are Word Parts?

Prefixes Roots Suffixes

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Example of Word Parts

My friend Josh is nonconformist.

(Prefix) Non Non = not

(Root) conform conform = go along with others

(Suffix) ist ist = one who does something

nonconformist = someone who does not go along with others

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Prefixes–Beginnings of Words

Prefix + Root = New Word

dis + respect = disrespect

Meaning not + respect = lack of respect

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Common Prefixes

Prefixes referring to amount or number Example: micro small microscope

Prefixes meaning “not” (negative) Example: anti against antiwar

Prefixes giving direction or location Example: sub under submarine

See Table 4.1 in your book for common prefixes.

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Common Roots— Core Meaning

Examples: bio life biology port carry transport path feeling sympathy

See Table 4.2 in your book for common roots.

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Suffixes—Word Endings

Root + Suffix = New Word class + ify = classify (verb)class + ic = classic (adjective)class + ification = classification

(noun)

See Table 4.3 in your book for common suffixes.

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Common Suffixes

Suffixes that refer to condition or quality Example: ness kindness

Suffixes that mean “one who” Example: er teacher

Suffixes that mean “referring to” Example: ship friendship

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Roots & Suffixes

Our college is one of the most prestigious in the state.

Root: prestige Suffix: ious New Word: prestigious (having

prestige or distinction)

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Using Word Parts Look for the root first and try to

figure out its meaning. Look for a prefix and see how it

changes the meaning of the root word.

Find a suffix and see how it changes or adds to the meaning.

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Test-Taking Tip #4: Recognizing Word Parts

Pronounce the word in question to yourself and see if you recognize a prefix, root, or suffix.

If you do not recognize the root of the word, concentrate on the prefix, if there is one. This may give a clue to the word’s meaning.

Also pay attention to suffixes to try and figure out the word.

© 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Longman Publishers.

Test-Taking Tip #4: Recognizing Word Parts

Example: A monologue is:

A. a debate among politicians. B. secrets shared by friends. C. intimate conversation. D. long, uninterrupted speech.

Hint: “mono” is a prefix meaning “one.”

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