1. A word is the smallest meaningful unit of language that consists of sounds or combinations of sounds represented in text. Words can be formed by adding prefixes or suffixes to root words to create new words.
2. Prefixes and suffixes are added to root words to form new words and change the meaning. Common prefixes include un-, re-, pre-, and non-. Common suffixes include -ly, -ness, -ment, and -ion.
3. Word formation processes like blending, clipping, and compounding can also be used to form new words by combining parts of existing words. Proper spelling changes may apply when adding affixes depending on the word's root.