1. Significant Vocabulary
An English/Reading Workshop
Student Support Services
Troy University; Troy, AL 36082

2. OBJECTIVE
To teach you that using Word Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes can enhance your English vocabulary, improve your spelling, and support reading comprehension.

3. First, what is a “Root Word”?
“A root word is a word that has nothing added at the beginning or end.” (Internetclassroom.com)
“A root word is a real word and you can make new words from it by adding prefixes and suffixes. (Internetclassroom.com)
“A root is the basic element of a word, and it is the foundation on which the meaning of a word is built.” (Tending to Word Roots)

4. Example of a Word Family
Root Word Example
“Clear” is a root word.
You can add prefixes (beginning sounds)
and suffixes (ending sounds) to root words
to create “Word Families”.
Example of a Word Family
Clear (root word)
Un- + clear = unclear (prefix + root word)
Clear + -ed = cleared (root word + suffix)
Notice that all of the above words in the word family have related meanings and easy-to-figure spellings.
Source: Internetclassroom. com (Skillswise factsheet)

5. Other Examples of Common Root Words with Suffixes Added
Use
Useless
Usable
Employ
Employer
Employable
Manage
Management
Manager
Beauty
Beautiful
Beautician
Faith
Faithless
Faithful
Care
Careful
Careless

6. Other Examples of Common Root Words with Prefixes Added
Vent (means to occur, express, permit, or release”)*
Prevent (to fail to permit or occur)*
Event (an occurrence)
Arch (a vaulted form or supporting foundation)*
Monarch (one ruler over a kingdom)
Oligarchy (a government led by a few self-centered leaders)
Factor (a product or producer)
Manufacture (to produce using human labor or manmade machinery)
Benefactor (a provider or supporter)
Log (word, documented record, length, or piece of bulky material such as a piece of wood)
Monologue (a lengthy speech)
Epilogue (a concluding speech)
Source: Merriam Webster online dictionary

7. Two Common English Prefixes
Un = not Word Examples: undone; unequal
Re- or Red- Word Examples: Recount, redo, refill
Think how many words you can formulate just by learning these two prefixes.
See the handout provided to you for a list of common prefixes you encounter daily in English words.

8. Common English Suffixes
Definition
Example
-ate
Marked by or made by
Alienate
-ism
The quality or practice of
Baptism
-en
To make
Weaken
-ation or – ition or tion
The act or condition of
Affirmation, Recognition
-er, -ier, -ar
The one committing the act
Teacher, Scholar
-ty or -ity
The state of
Modesty, Honesty
ic-
Associated with
Democratic, Socratic
See the handout provided to you for a list of common suffixes you encounter daily in English words.

9. What’s the point . . . Of knowing prefixes, suffixes and roots?
Watch this video to learn more: Click here: Sd6C4c&feature=related

10. Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots Review
A fun way to remember the functions of Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots
Click here: YouTube - "Prefixes, Suffixes, & Roots" Rap

11. Practice 1
See how many words you can think of using the following prefixes. Write them on the page provided for you. You have 30 seconds.
dis- (not, opposite of)
un- (not)
pre- (before)
re- (again)

12. Practice 2
Next, see how many words you can think of using the following suffixes. Write them on the page provided for you. You have 30 seconds.
-ly (characteristic of)
-ing (present participle verb)
-ed (past tense verb)
-s or -es(more than one)

13. THE END
Please complete an evaluation form and submit it to SSS staff in the SSS Office.
Enjoy your learning experience here at Troy University.
SSS Office/ 109 Shackelford Hall Annex; Troy, AL 36082/ Ph: