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Roots and Affixes Vocabulary

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Roots and Affixes Vocabulary

Use the meanings of roots, prefixes and suffixes to unlock unfamiliar words. A prefix comes before a root; a suffix comes after it. Try each question before checking that the parts make sense together.

Spot the word parts

Read each word carefully. Think about what each part contributes to the whole word.

1.In the word exhale, the prefix ex- means “out”. What does *exhale* mean?

To breathe out
To breathe in
To breathe slowly
To stop breathing

2.The root form means “shape” or “make”. Which word means “to shape or make something again”?

Reform
Inform
Perform
Uniform

3.Match each word part to its meaning: anti-, port, -able, -tion.

anti-
port
-able
-tion

able to be
against
carry
act, process or state

4.Break down transport into its prefix and root. Use trans- = “across” and port = “carry” to explain the word’s meaning.

Build and investigate

Use the parts as clues, then check that your suggested meaning fits the whole word.

5.A reusable lunch container can be used again and again. Identify the prefix in reusable and explain how it helps show the word’s meaning.

6.Use mis- (“wrongly”) and interpret (“explain the meaning of”) to work out misinterpret. Write what the word means and use it in a sentence about a message or conversation.

7.Complete the word analysis for disagreement. Identify the prefix, root and suffix, give each part’s meaning, then explain the whole word.

8.Create a real or invented word by adding anti- to a suitable root or base word. Write the new word and explain what it could mean. The meaning should show that anti- means “against”.

9.A reader meets the unfamiliar word portable in this sentence: “The portable speaker was easy to carry on the walk.” The root port means “carry”. Explain how the root and suffix help reveal the word’s meaning, and name one other word containing port.

10.Explain how knowing roots and affixes can help you work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word while reading. Include one example from this worksheet.