How can word structure help?

The main part of any word is called the “root word”. The meaning of many root words can be changed simply by adding or removing parts of words. These parts of words are called prefixes and suffixes. Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root word, while suffixes are added to the end of a root word. Look at how the root word “history” can be changed.

Knowing the meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of frequently used prefixes and suffixes will allow you to discover meanings, to say correctly, and to spell many new words correctly. One of the easiest ways of making an antonym, a word with the opposite meaning, is to add a prefix. Some common antonym-forming prefixes include: -de, -die, -in, -im, -il, and —re. Study the meaning and spelling of prefixes and suffixes on the following pages.