Root Words and Their Meanings Quiz

Identify the root word in the word "unhappiness".

• happy

• un

• ness

• happiness

Answer explanation

The root word in "unhappiness" is "happy". The prefix "un-" negates the meaning, and the suffix "-ness" turns the adjective into a noun, but the core meaning comes from "happy".

What does the root word "bio" mean?

• life

• earth

• water

• air

Answer explanation

The root word 'bio' comes from the Greek word 'bios', meaning 'life'. This is evident in terms like 'biology', which is the study of life. Therefore, the correct answer is 'life'.

Use the word "transport" in a sentence.

• The transport was very delicious.

• I need to transport these boxes to the new house.

• She will transport the book on the table.

• The transport is a type of fruit.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'I need to transport these boxes to the new house,' uses 'transport' as a verb, meaning to carry or move something. The other options misuse the word or do not fit the context.

Which of the following is a prefix in the word "preview"?

• view

• pre

• re

• iew

Answer explanation

In the word 'preview', the prefix is 'pre', which means 'before'. The other options, such as 'view', 're', and 'iew', do not function as prefixes in this context.

Match the word "autograph" with its definition.

• A written account of someone's life

• A person's own signature

• A type of graph

• A book about cars

Answer explanation

The word 'autograph' specifically refers to a person's own signature, often written by that person. The other options do not accurately define 'autograph', making 'A person's own signature' the correct choice.

Create a new word using the root "graph" and the prefix "tele".

• telegraph

• telegraphy

• telegraphist

• telegraphyist

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'telegraph', which combines the prefix 'tele-' (meaning distant) with the root 'graph' (meaning to write). 'Telegraph' refers to a system for transmitting messages over long distances.

Identify the suffix in the word "joyful".

• joy

• ful

• joyf

• oyful

Answer explanation

In the word 'joyful', the suffix is 'ful', which is added to the root word 'joy' to form an adjective. The other options do not represent a suffix, making 'ful' the correct choice.

What does the root word "spect" mean?

• see

• hear

• touch

• taste

Answer explanation

The root word 'spect' comes from Latin, meaning 'to see' or 'to look.' This is evident in words like 'inspect' and 'spectator,' which relate to seeing or observing. Therefore, the correct answer is 'see.'

Use the word "construct" in a sentence.

• The construct was very tasty.

• They will construct a new bridge over the river.

• She will construct the book on the table.

• The construct is a type of animal.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'They will construct a new bridge over the river,' uses 'construct' appropriately as a verb meaning to build or create, which aligns with the question's request for a sentence using the word.

Which of the following is a prefix in the word "dislike"?

• like

• dis

• ike

• sl

Answer explanation

In the word 'dislike', 'dis' is the prefix that modifies the meaning of the root word 'like'. The prefix 'dis' indicates negation, making 'dislike' mean not liking.