Roots and Base Words

Root/Base Words

How to identify them? Why they are important.

Importance of Base/Root Words

Today I want to teach you how to identify the root/base words as well as how to use the base words to determine meaning of the whole word.

Why are base/roots words important?

• The base word gives the word its basic meaning

• The prefixes and/or suffixes build off the meaning of the base word.

What is a root word or base word?

• It the part of the word that's left after you remove the prefix and suffix

• The root/base words gives the word its core meaning.

• For example, the word unmarked -has the prefix un and suffix -ed so the base word is "mark" means with stained or damaged

Can you identify the root/base word?

• Look for a prefix. A syllable (a group of letters) added to front of a word.

• Look for a suffix. A syllable (a group of letters) added to front of a word.

• So if you can identify the base word and determine the meaning you are on your way to understanding the meaning of the word.

Open Ended

Write a sentence for each of the following words:

1. disappear

2. lawyer