Using Affixes to Unlock Meaning

Combine the meanings of prefixes, roots, and suffixes to define a new word.

Once you know prefixes, suffixes, and roots, you can work out the meaning of words you have never seen by adding up the parts. Start with the base or root, then add the prefix's meaning, then the suffix's. Take 'unpredictable'. Root 'dict' means say. 'Pre' means before, so predict means to say before it happens. '-able' means can be, so predictable means can be said before. 'Un' means not.

So unpredictable means not able to be told before it happens. Try 'reusable': use + able (can be used) + re (again) = can be used again. Use context to confirm: 'Bring a reusable bag instead of a paper one. ' That fits perfectly.

• 1Add up the meanings of the parts.
• 2Start with the root, then add prefix and suffix meanings.
• 3Confirm the meaning with context.