Root Words

What are Root Words? 

A root word is a word without a prefix or suffix, other words are formed from a root word. 

A root word can function as a whole word on its own. 

Example: 

• The root word of brushing, brushes and brushed is brush.  
• The root word of scares, scared, scaring is scare. 

What is an Affix? 

An addition to a word’s base form or stem in order to change its meaning or create a new word. 

Prefix

A prefix is a word or phrase that comes before the root. 

Example:  

1. Consider the word Reform. 

• The prefix is re-, while the root word is form. 
• Form is still a word in itself. 

2. Transmit.

• The word ‘trans’ is the prefix meaning across,
• ‘mit’ is the root meaning “to send.” 

Suffix 

A suffix is a word that is appended to the end of a root or root word. 

Example:  

1. In the words, inactivity, veracity, parity, serenity  

• -Ity is the suffix 

2. heaviness, sadness, rudeness, testiness 

• -ness is the suffix