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Word Parts
and Roots

Break a big word into smaller pieces: prefixes, roots, and suffixes, to unlock its meaning.

ISEE Verbal Reasoning

Words Are Built From Pieces

Long words can look scary, but most are made of smaller parts that each carry meaning. When you learn these parts, you can figure out a word you have never seen before, like a detective using clues.

The Three Word Parts

re-
again
+
play
to play
+
-ing
happening now

The Root: The Core Idea

The root is the main part of a word. It holds the central meaning. Everything else is added to the front or the back to change that meaning a little.

port
to carry: transport, portable
spect
to look: inspect, spectator
dict
to say: predict, dictionary

The Prefix: Added to the Front

A prefix goes before the root and changes its meaning. Common prefixes tell you about direction, number, or whether something is the opposite.

un-
not: unhappy, unfair
re-
again: redo, return
pre-
before: preview, preheat

The Suffix: Added to the End

A suffix goes after the root. It often tells you what kind of word it is, like a person who does something, or a state of being.

-er
one who: teacher, painter
-ful
full of: joyful, helpful
-less
without: fearless, endless

The Word Part Rule

PREFIX front clue ROOT main idea SUFFIX end clue Put the clues together = the word's meaning

Prefix vs. Suffix

Both are added to a root, but they sit in different spots and do different jobs. Don't mix them up!

Prefix → Front
Changes meaning. unkind means not kind. rebuild means build again.
Suffix → End
Changes word type. teacher is a person. careless is a describing word.

How to Crack a New Word

1
Split the word. Look for a prefix at the front and a suffix at the end.
2
Find the root. What is the main chunk left in the middle?
3
Recall each meaning. Use word parts you already know.
4
Combine the clues into one smart guess about the whole word.

Example 1: unhelpful

un-
not
+
help
to help
+
-ful
full of

Example 2: transporter

trans-
across
+
port
to carry
+
-er
one who

Example 3: prediction

pre-
before
+
dict
to say
+
-ion
act of

Common Mistakes

✕ Splitting wrong
Not every word starts with a prefix. "uncle" has no "un-" prefix; the whole thing is the word.
✕ Ignoring the root
The root holds the main idea. Don't only look at the prefix and guess.
✕ Forgetting context
Use the sentence too. Word parts give clues, but the sentence confirms the meaning.

Quick Reference

Where Job
PrefixFrontChanges meaning (un-, re-, pre-)
RootMiddleHolds main idea (port, dict, spect)
SuffixEndChanges word type (-er, -ful, -less)

Question 1 of 5

The prefix un- means "not." What does unkind most likely mean?

Question 2 of 5

The root port means "to carry." A portable radio is one you can:

Question 3 of 5

The suffix -less means "without." What does fearless mean?

Question 4 of 5

Using pre- (before) and view (to see), what does preview mean?

Question 5 of 5

The suffix -er means "one who." Combined with the root paint, what is a painter?

You're a Word Detective!

Now when you meet a new word, you have a plan: split it, find the parts, recall their meanings, and combine the clues.