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Lesson 5: Word Parts - Root Words and Suffixes - Coggle Diagram
Lesson 5: Word Parts - Root Words and Suffixes
Key Concepts
Suffix: An ending added to a root word to change its meaning or part of speech. Unlike prefixes (which are added at the beginning), suffixes are attached to the end of a root word.
Common Suffixes and Their Meanings
-ly: Changes an adjective into an adverb, showing how something is done.
slow (adjective) → slowly (adverb)
quick → quickly
-er: Adds the meaning of person or thing that does something.
play → player
teach → teacher
-ful: Means full of or to fill.
joy → joyful (full of joy)
help → helpful (full of help)
-s: Used to make a verb plural (or present tense third person singular).
walk → walks (He walks)
eat → eats (She eats)
-ed: Indicates past tense for a verb.
walk → walked (I walked yesterday)
jump → jumped (He jumped)
-ing: Shows the present progressive tense (action happening right now).
walk → walking (I am walking)
Additional Suffixes
-ment: action or result of (Example: movement)
-ness: state or quality of (Example: kindness)
-able: able to be (Example: moveable)
-less: without (Example: careless)
-en: to become (Example: soften)
-ward: direction (Example: forward)
Building Words with Prefixes and Suffixes
You can combine both prefixes and suffixes in one word.
ungraceful
grace (root word) + -ful (full of) → graceful (full of grace)
un- (not) added to graceful → ungraceful (not full of grace)
Why It’s Important to Learn Prefixes and Suffixes
Reading: Understanding prefixes and suffixes helps us figure out the meaning of words, such as distinguishing between "truthful" and "untruthful".
Writing: Using prefixes and suffixes makes writing more descriptive and adds meaning to sentences. They help your story flow better.
Vocabulary Growth: Knowing these word parts increases your ability to understand and use new words in both reading and writing.