The English language, rich in vocabulary and variety, owes much of its word-building system to the use of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. These three components are foundational elements in morphology—the study of word formation. A clear understanding of root words, prefixes, and suffixes not only helps in decoding complex vocabulary but also strengthens reading comprehension, spelling, and effective communication. The study of root words, prefixes, and suffixes is more than an academic exercise; it is a key to unlocking the power of English. These morphological tools empower learners to approach language analytically, allowing them to expand vocabulary, improve comprehension, and enhance writing proficiency. By mastering these building blocks, students can approach unfamiliar words with confidence and develop a more intuitive grasp of the English language. Teachers, curriculum developers, and learners alike should prioritize morphology-based vocabulary learning to promote long-term language success.

1. Root Words in English
Vocabulary Development

2. Introduction
• A root word is the base form of a word. It
carries the core meaning and can stand alone
or be combined with other elements.
• Most of the English root words come from
Latin or Greek, and understanding them
helps in decoding new words and expanding
vocabulary.
• Examples:
act → action, actor, react
form → reform, formation, transform

3. Why College Students Should Learn Root
Words?
Improves comprehension of academic vocabulary
Aids in mastering complex texts
Enhances word formation skills
Boosts performance in competitive exams (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, GRE)

4. Common Root Words with Examples
Root Meaning Word Example Meaning of the Word
bio life biology study of life
graph write autograph a person’s own signature
cred believe credible believable or trustworthy
port carry transport to carry across
dict say, speak predict to say in advance
spect see inspect to look at carefully
phon sound telephone device to carry sound
struct build construct to build
therm heat thermometer instrument for measuring heat
chrono time chronological arranged in time order

5. Application in Academic Words
Word Root Root Meaning Explanation
educate duc/duct lead
to lead or guide
someone to
knowledge
inspire spir breathe
to breathe into; to
motivate
auditor aud hear
a person who
listens or checks
records
manual man hand related to
handwork

6. Prefix
• A prefix is a group of letters added
before a root word to change its
meaning.
Examples:
• un- (not) → unhappy
• re- (again) → rewrite
• pre- (before) → preview

7. Common Prefixes
Prefix Meaning Example Meaning of Word
un- not unkind not kind
re- again reread read again
dis- opposite of disagree not agree
pre- before prepay pay before
mis- wrongly mislead lead wrongly

8. Suffix
• A suffix is a group of letters added after
a root word. It can change the part of
speech or modify the word's function.
Examples:
• -ful (full of) → hopeful
• -less (without) → hopeless
• -ly (in a certain way) → quickly

9. Common Suffixes
Suffix Meaning Example
Word Class
Changed To
-er one who teacher Noun
-ness state of being kindness Noun
-able capable of readable Adjective
-ment action/result agreement Noun
-ly manner slowly Adverb

10. Word Formation in Action Root
ACT
With prefix: react →
act again
With suffix: actor →
one who acts
With both: interaction
→ mutual action
between people

11. Match the Root to its Meaning
Root Options
1. scrib/script a) time
2. bene b) to write
3. chron c) bad
4. mal d) good/well
5. vis/vid e) to see

12. Choose the correct meaning of the word
• Preview means:
a) review again
b) see before
c) write before
• Careless means:
a) without care
b) full of care
c) like care