Review how prefixes and suffixes can change the meaning of a root word.
Prefixes and suffixes are added to root words to create new words with different meanings. They have the ability to alter or modify the root word, either by changing its meaning or adding specific nuances to it.
Prefixes are added at the beginning of a root word. They can change the word's meaning by negating it, such as in the case of adding the prefix "un-" to the root word "happy" to create "unhappy," which means not happy. Prefixes can also add meaning by indicating time, location, amount, or intensity. For example, adding the prefix "re-" to the root word "write" creates "rewrite," which means to write again.
Suffixes, on the other hand, are added at the end of a root word. They can change the word's grammatical function or modify its meaning. For instance, adding the suffix "-able" to the root word "read" creates "readable," which means capable of being read. Suffixes can also indicate the tense of a verb, the plurality of a noun, or the comparison of an adjective. For example, adding the suffix "-ed" to the root word "walk" creates "walked," indicating that the action has already happened.
In addition to changing the meaning or grammatical function of a root word, prefixes and suffixes can also add specific shades of meaning or convey emotions. For example, adding the prefix "mis-" to the root word "understand" creates "misunderstand," which implies a complete lack of understanding rather than just a misunderstanding.
In summary, prefixes and suffixes have the power to change the meaning of a root word by negating it, adding specific nuances or indicating various grammatical functions. They are essential in creating new words and expanding the vocabulary of a language.