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- Idioms And Phrases
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
adverb, a comparative of little, with least as superlative.
to a smaller extent, amount, or degree: less exact.
most certainly not (often preceded by much or still): He could barely pay for his own lodging, much less for that of his friend.
in any way different; other: He is nothing less than a thief.
adjective, a comparative of little, with least as superlative.
smaller in size, amount, degree, etc.; not so large, great, or much:less money; less speed.
lower in consideration, rank, or importance: no less a person than the manager.
fewer: less than a dozen.
noun
a smaller amount or quantity: Hundreds of soldiers arrived, but less of them remained.
something inferior or not as important: He was tortured for less.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Which sentence is correct?
Idioms about less
less than, by far short of being; not in the least; hardly at all: The job is less than perfect.
Origin of less
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English lǣs (adverb), lǣssa (adjective); cognate with Old Frisian lês (adverb), lêssa (adjective); see least
synonym study for less
words often confused with less
Even though less has been used before plural nouns ( less words; less men ) since the time of King Alfred, many modern usage guides say that only fewer can be used in such contexts. Less, they say, should modify singular mass nouns ( less sugar; less money ) and singular abstract nouns ( less honesty; less love ). It should modify plural nouns only when they suggest combination into a unit, group, or aggregation: less than $50 (a sum of money); less than three miles (a unit of distance). With plural nouns specifying individuals or readily distinguishable units, the guides say that fewer is the only proper choice: fewer words; fewer men; no fewer than 31 of the 50 states.
Modern standard English practice does not reflect this distinction. When followed by than, less occurs at least as often as fewer in modifying plural nouns that are not units or groups, and the use of less in this construction is increasing in all varieties of English: less than eight million people; no less than 31 of the 50 states. When not followed by than, fewer is more frequent only in formal written English, and in this construction also the use of less is increasing: This year we have had less crimes, less accidents, and less fires than in any of the last five years.
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH less
fewer, less (see confusables note at the current entry)
Words nearby less
Leslie, Les Misérables, Lesotho, lespedeza, lesquerella, less, lessee, lessen, Lesseps, lesser, Lesser Antilles
Other definitions for less (2 of 2)
an adjective suffix meaning “without” (childless; peerless), and in adjectives derived from verbs, indicating failure or inability to perform or be performed (resistless; tireless).
Origin of -less
Middle English -les,Old English -lēas, special use of lēas free from, without, false; cognate with Old Norse lauss,German los,loose
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
MORE ABOUT LESS
What is a basic definition of less?
Less refers to a comparatively smaller amount, quantity, or degree and can be used in this sense as an adverb, adjective, or noun. Less has several other senses as an adverb, adjective, noun, and a preposition.
Less is a comparative form of the word little, with the word least being the superlative. If something is described as less, it is “more little” than something else. Specifically, less by itself often means a smaller number or amount rather than physical size.
Less can be used in this sense as an adverb, adjective, or a noun. Because less is a comparative, it must be used to compare two or more things to make sense. For example, “This house is less” makes no sense by itself. You might wonder. “Less what?” When we include the item we are comparing the house to, you can understand what we mean: That house is really expensive, but this house costs less.
- Real-life examples: Used cars often cost less than new ones. You will earn less money in your first job than in your last job. You might start out with a lot of questions, but as you learn you may have less.
- Used in a sentence: I really need to start eating less.
We want to make sure nobody gets less food than anyone else.
When it comes to using pink paint, less is more.
The word less is often confused with the word fewer. For the most part, you can use the words less and fewer as synonyms when comparing amounts of things.
However, less can compare abstract, uncountable qualities, while fewer cannot. For example, one dog can be said to be less playful than another, but it cannot be said to be “fewer playful” than another.
Where does less come from?
The first records of less come from before 900. It ultimately comes from the Old English adverb lǣs and adjective lǣssa. It is related to the Old Frisian adverb lês and adjective lêssa.
Did you know … ?
How is less used in real life?
Less is an incredibly common word that is most often used to describe something having a smaller or lower degree, amount, or quantity.
I really need to get hobbies that cost less money…
— Ashlee Spring (@summerannspring) February 1, 2021
I haven’t been less excited for a Super Bowl since…..ever. Is this typical for fans of the team that fall one game short?
— The CoolTechDad (@TheCoolTechDad) February 1, 2021
You’ll be seeing less of me on Twitter when the temperature finally breaks 50 degrees, which I believe will now happen in mid-July.
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) March 20, 2015
Try using less!
True or False?
A chair that costs $30 is less expensive than one that costs $20.
Words related to less
fewer, lesser, limited, lower, minor, minus, negative, secondary, subordinate, beneath, declined, deficient, depressed, diminished, excepting, lacking, reduced, shortened, shorter, slighter
How to use less in a sentence
-
Submission is less a novel of ideas than a political book, and of the most subversive kind.
-
Back in New York, the slow pace and inward focus of her yoga practice was less fulfilling.
-
For many years afterward it was a never-ending topic of conversation, and is more or less talked of even to this day.
-
No one wants to align with less freedom at a time like this.
-
The pulps brought new readers to serious fiction, making it less intimidating with alluring art and low prices.
-
In less than ten minutes, the bivouac was broken up, and our little army on the march.
-
He was too drowsy to hold the thought more than a moment in his mind, much less to reflect upon it.
-
He did believe you, more or less, and what you said fell in with his own impressions—strange impressions that they were, poor man!
-
One would not have wanted her white neck a mite less full or her beautiful arms more slender.
-
With childlike confidence he follows the advice of some more or less honest dealer.
British Dictionary definitions for less (1 of 2)
determiner
- the comparative of little (def. 1) less sugar; less spirit than before
- (as pronoun; functioning as sing or plural)she has less than she needs; the less you eat, the less you want
(usually preceded by no) lower in rank or importanceno less a man than the president; St James the Less
no less informal used to indicate surprise or admiration, often sarcastic, at the preceding statementshe says she’s been to Italy, no less
less of to a smaller extent or degreewe see less of John these days; less of a success than I’d hoped
adverb
the comparative of little (sense 1)she walks less than she should; less quickly; less beautiful
much less or still less used to reinforce a negativewe don’t like it, still less enjoy it
think less of to have a lower opinion of
preposition
subtracting; minusthree weeks less a day
Word Origin for less
Old English lǣssa (adj), lǣs (adv, n)
usage for less
Less should not be confused with fewer. Less refers strictly only to quantity and not to number: there is less water than before. Fewer means smaller in number: there are fewer people than before
British Dictionary definitions for less (2 of 2)
suffix forming adjectives
without; lackingspeechless
not able to (do something) or not able to be (done, performed, etc)countless
Word Origin for -less
Old English -lās, from lēas lacking
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with less
In addition to the idiom beginning with less
- less than
also see:
- couldn’t care less
- in (less than) no time
- more or less
- much less
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
This article will give a better understanding of what prefixes and suffixes are in English Grammar, as well as some useful tips on how to use them effectively. To download the lesson in PDF format, please find the downloadable link attached below in the article.
If you come across the terms Prefixes and Suffixes, the first thing you probably think they an advanced grammatical technique that no one needs.
However, you more than likely use prefixes and suffixes on a daily basis in everyday conversation and have seen them in books and newspapers.
By understanding prefixes and suffixes, you will be able to expand your vocabulary and better communicate with others.
What is the Root Word?
In order for you to understand prefixes and suffixes are, you first need to understand what a root word is? In simple terms, a root word is a word that forms the basis of prefixes and suffixes. They are basic words that prefixes and suffixes help to change the meanings of.
For example, the root word comfort is transformed by the suffix ‘-able’ to create the word ‘comfortable’.
Prefixes are a team of words which are placed before a root word and help to create new words. You cannot use prefixes as stand-alone words and must always be connected to a root word. For the most part, a hyphen isn’t needed when using prefixes but sometimes will need a hyphen if the root word you’re connecting the prefix to is a proper noun.
For example: mid-America.
Below are some common prefixes you have most likely come across or used in your everyday vocabulary before:
- im– which can be connected at the start of a root word to make ‘impotent’ or ‘impossible’.
- re– which can be connected at the start of a root word make ‘regain’ or ‘restart’.
- un– which can be connected at the start of a root word to make ‘ungrateful’ or ‘unequal’.
- in– which can be connected at the start of a root word to make ‘inactive’ or ‘invisible’.
- mis– which can be connected at the start of a root word to make ‘misplaced’ or ‘misguided’.
- ex– which can be connected at the start of a root word to make ‘exhaled’ or ‘explode’.
- dis – which can be connected at the start of a root word to make ‘dispose’ or ‘disagree’.
What is a Suffix?
A suffix is a team of words which are placed after a root word, and like prefixes can create new words. By using a suffix you can also change the meaning of the root word, and also show whether a word is a noun, proper noun, or even a verb. Like prefixes, there are also suffixes which can contain hyphens and tend to only be used when the root words are nouns.
- For example: shell-like.
Below are some common suffixes you have most likely come across or used in your everyday vocabulary before:
- –ing which can be connected at the end of a root word to make ‘seeing’ or ‘hearing’.
- –able which can be connected at the end of a root word to make ‘unable’ or ‘uncomfortable’.
- –less which can be connected at the end of a root word to make ‘tearless’ or ‘friendless’.
- –ness which can be connected at the end of a root word to make ‘sadness’ or ‘kindness’.
- –y which can be connected at the end of a root word to make ‘victory’ or ‘furry’.
- –ful which can be connected at the end of a root word to make ‘tasteful’ or ‘grateful’.
- –ly which can be connected at the end of a root word to make ‘sadly’ or ‘gladly’.
What is the Difference between Prefixes and Suffixes?
- The main difference between prefixes and suffixes is that prefixes are used at the start of a root word while suffixes are used at the end of a root word.
- Another difference is that there is the only type of prefix in English grammar, while there are two types of suffixes which are called inflectional and derivational. An inflectional suffix helps change the plural of a root word, whilst a derivational suffix creates a completely new word from the root word. However, all in all, prefixes and suffixes are both quite similar and easy to use once understood.
A Must Watch Video Lesson on Prefix and Suffix:
I hope you able to understand the concept of Prefix and Suffix if you have doubts feel free to comment down below.
References [External Links]:
- Prefixes, Suffixes and Roots- bucks.edu
- Examples of Root Words
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- Foreign Language
- English (Language)
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Below you will see a chart of English language word roots that
are common prefixes and suffixes to base words. (This list is similar
to that which appeared previously on this site.)
This list is a small portion of our 2,000 word root database which you can
search using our root search engine.
What is a root in a word?
A word root is the base part of a word (i.e., less any prefixes and suffixes). To change the meaning of a word, a prefix can be added to the front of the word root, or a suffix can be added to the back. Quite often, a prefix and a suffix are added to a word root to change the meaning.
Where is the root in a word?
A root can be any part of a word that carries meaning: the beginning, middle or end. Prefixes, bases, and suffixes are types of roots. The prefix appears at the beginning of a word, the base in the middle and the suffix at the end. Most English root words came from the Greek and Latin languages.
What does the root word front mean?
late 13c., “forehead,” from Old French front “forehead, brow” (12c.), from Latin frontem (nominative frons) “forehead, brow, front; countenance, expression (especially as an indicator of truthfulness or shame); facade of a building, forepart; external appearance; vanguard, front rank,” a word of “no plausible etymology …
Is a root word and base word the same?
Root Words vs. The two are related, but they’re not exactly the same thing. A base word is a standalone English word that can also form other words with affixes (prefixes and suffixes). A root word is the Latin or Greek basis of a word that, generally speaking, can’t be used as a standalone word.
What does root word or base word mean?
1.A root word is the primary form of a word while a base word is a word that can stand on its own. 2.A root word may or may not have a meaning while a base word has a meaning on its own.
What is root word example?
A basic word to which affixes (prefixes and suffixes) are added is called a root word because it forms the basis of a new word. For example, the word lovely consists of the word love and the suffix -ly. In contrast, a root is the basis of a new word, but it does not typically form a stand-alone word on its own.
Can a word not have a root?
In most cases, a word is built upon at least one root. 2. Words can have more than one prefix, root, or suffix. Words can be made up of two or more roots (geo/logy).
What is the root word of interesting?
The word interesting originally meant “of concern”; it was a synonym of important. It comes from the verb interest, which in its original use meant “to induce or persuade to participate or engage.” If you were interested in something, you were not willing to be a bystander; you felt the need to participate or engage.
What is the word of interesting?
adjective. engaging or exciting and holding the attention or curiosity: an interesting book. arousing a feeling of interest: an interesting face.
What is the word very?
This word is categorized as an adverb if it is used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb in a particular sentence. For instance, in the sample sentence below: She worked very quickly. The word “very” is considered as an adverb because it modifies another adverb “quickly.”
What are the most common root words?
Common Word Roots
| Root | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| anthropo | man | anthropology |
| astro | star | astronaut |
| bio | life | biology |
| cardio | heart | cardiac |
What is Greek root words?
30 Must Know Greek Root Words
- Greek Root: anthrop. Meaning: human.
- Greek Root: aqu. Meaning: water.
- Greek Root: anti. Meaning: opposing.
- Greek Root: bio. Meaning: life.
- Greek Root : biblio. Meaning: book.
- Greek Root: byss. Meaning: Bottom.
- Greek Root: chrome. Meaning: colour.
- Greek Root: cosm. Meaning: universe.
What is the root word for together?
The English prefixes syn- along with its variant sym-, derived from Greek, mean “together.” You can remember syn- easily by thinking of synonym, which is a word that goes “together” with another word because it has a similar meaning.
What does Con mean in contact?
abbreviated form of “conference call”. I have a con call this morning.
What is the root word for time?
Every student should know that chron is the Greek root for ‘time. ‘ From the chronometer to chronicling our lives, humankind is fascinated by ‘time.
Does Con mean with or against?
(kŏn) adv. In opposition or disagreement; against: debated the issue pro and con. 1. An argument or opinion against something.
What does con stand for?
CON
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| CON | Control |
| CON | Certificate Of Need (healthcare) |
| CON | Connection |
| CON | Continued |
What does Con mean in writing?
noun (usually plural) an argument or vote against a proposal, motion, etc. a person who argues or votes against a proposal, motion, etc. Compare pro 1See also pros and cons.
What is pro and cons?
phrase. The pros and cons of something are its advantages and disadvantages, which you consider carefully so that you can make a sensible decision. Motherhood has both its pros and cons.
Is pro positive or negative?
2 Answers. Yes, the two terms imply the same. ‘Pros and cons’ comes from Latin pro et contra meaning ‘for and against’. It actually means ‘the positive and negative aspects of an argument’.
What’s another way to say pros and cons?
Synonyms
- advantages and disadvantages.
- assets and liabilities.
- fors and againsts.
- for and against.
- gains and losses.
- opportunities and obstacles.
- strengths and weaknesses.
- positives and negatives.
What is a root in a word?
by
Alex Heath
·
2019-04-05
What is a root in a word?
A root word is a word or word part that can form the basis of new words through the addition of prefixes and suffixes. Understanding the meanings of common roots can help you work out the meanings of new words as you encounter them. Once you pull off any prefixes or suffixes, the root is usually what remains.
Which element is a word root?
Review
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which is an element of a word root linking suffix that begins with a vowel? | Scler/osis |
| The word root in the medical term usually indicates | Anatomical structure |
| Which element is the word root | Nephr |
| Arthr/o is an example of a: | Combining form |
What’s the difference between a root word and a base word?
‘Root’, ‘stem’ and ‘base’ are all terms used in the literature to designate that part of a word that remains when all affixes have been removed. A root is a form which is not further analysable, either in terms of derivational or inflectional morphology. A base is any form to which affixes of any kind can be added.
What is a root word for anti?
The root word-anti has its Greek origin and it means ‘opposite to something or resisting or opposing something’. So, if you’re anti something, you are ‘against’ it. A person who is antisocial doesn’t believe in socializing and is therefore ‘against’ it.
How do you use the word anti?
As a word on its own anti is an adjective or preposition describing a person or thing that is against someone or something else. In a casual sense anti is sometimes used as a noun for a person who is against something — if you’re not on the pro side, you’re an anti.
What does the root word Spir mean?
breathe
Can anti mean in place of?
“over, against, opposite; instead, in the place of; as good as; at the price of; for the sake of; compared with; in opposition to; in return; counter-,” from PIE *anti “against,” also “in front of, before” (from root *ant- “front, forehead,” with derivatives meaning “in front of, before”), which became anti- in Italian …
IS ANTI a negative prefix?
In this lesson students practice using negative prefixes….Negative Prefixes.
| Prefix | Meaning | Examples and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| anti | against | antisocial, anti-inflammatory |
| dys | bad or difficult | dysfunctional, dyslexic |
What is the antonym of the word less?
Antonyms: superior, more(a), more, to a greater extent. Synonyms: to a lesser extent. less(adverb)
What’s a word for feeling empty?
16 Answers. TFD – sad or lonely, especially from being deserted or abandoned. MW – bereft, forsaken. “left quite forlorn of hope”.
Is lesser a proper word?
So if you mean one quantity or number is smaller than another, you say “less than”. “Lesser than” would be incorrect since “lesser” and “than” both imply a comparison, which makes them redundant when used together. It would have to either be “less than” or “lesser” only. You would say less than or the lesser of.
What does the lesser of mean?
lesser – of less size or importance; “the lesser anteater”; “the lesser of two evils” greater – greater in size or importance or degree; “for the greater good of the community”; “the greater Antilles” 2.
What is the superlative form of less?
Irregular comparatives and superlatives
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| bad | worse | worst |
| little | less | least |
| much | more | most |
| far | further / farther | furthest / farthest |
What is the degree of less?
Some have more than one option: little can become littler or less (comparative), and littlest or least (superlative). Many, some, or much become more in the comparative and most in the superlative. Some common irregular adverbs are well, better, best and badly, worse, worst.
What is the comparison of less?
3. Irregular adjectives
| positive | comparative | superlative |
|---|---|---|
| bad | worse | worst |
| much | more | most |
| many | more | most |
| little | less | least |
How do you use the word comparison?
If the adjective has two or more syllables, you can make it comparative by adding “more” before the adjective. Then, to make a comparison, use the word “than” before the second noun you’re comparing to.
What is the degree of comparison of less?
UsageEdit. (with adjectives) Less identifies the negative comparative form of all comparable adjectives. For example, with the adjective intelligent, the negative comparative is less intelligent. A similar form is the negative superlative.
Teachers frequently debate this question: What’s the difference between a root, base word, and stem? The reason teachers are forced to debate this question is that their textbooks present a model that quickly falls apart in the real world.
If teachers are confused, their students will also be confused. By the end of this page, you won’t be confused. To end this confusion, we will look at two systems:
1. The Traditional Root and Base-Word System for Kids
2. A Modern System of Morphemes, Roots, Bases, and Stems from Linguistics
The Traditional Root and Base-Word System for Kids
Here is a problem-filled system that, unfortunately, some students still learn.
Students learn that ROOTS are Greek and Latin roots. Most of these roots cannot stand alone as words when we remove the prefixes and suffixes.
Q e.g., Word: justify Latin Root: jus (law)
Students also learn that BASE WORDS can stand alone as words when we remove all of the prefixes and suffixes. Students learn that if it cannot stand alone when we remove all of the prefixes and suffixes, then it is not a base word.
Q e.g., Word: kindness Base Word: kind
The problem comes later in the day when the teacher is teaching verb tenses.
Q Teacher: Look at these two verbs: responded and responding. What’s the base word?
Q Student #1: Respond.
Q Teacher: Correct!
Q Student #2: Isn’t re- a prefix? If re- is a prefix, then respond can’t be a base word. I suspect that spond is a Latin root. Is it?
Q Teacher: I’m not sure. Let me research this. Yes, the word respond has the prefix re- attached to the Latin root spond. The Latin root spond comes from sponder, which means to pledge.
Although the teacher was looking for the answer “respond,” Student #2’s answer was the correct answer according to this Traditional System. That’s how easily the Traditional System falls apart. And the problems get worse from here.
Are you an elementary or middle school teacher? Have you taken a look at Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay on the homepage?
Modern Linguistics
I looked at a few current student textbooks from major publishers, and most of them don’t mention the terms base or base word. They only use the term root in their basic word studies. I suspect that this is because modern linguistics has created a new meaning for the term base.
In case you are not aware, modern linguistics and modern grammar fix many of the broken models from centuries past—i.e., models and definitions that quickly fall apart when you question them. These days, most books on linguistics and morphology present a somewhat standardized model. In English Word-Formation (1983), Laurie Bauer explains this model succinctly and definitively. Let’s take a look.
English Word-Formation (1983) by Laurie Bauer
As you can see below, Bauer acknowledges the root/stem/base problem and then explains a model that removes the ambiguity.
The Problem: “‘Root’, ‘stem’ and ‘base’ are all terms used in the literature to designate that part of a word that remains when all affixes have been removed. Of more recent years, however, there has been some attempt to distinguish consistently between these three terms.”
Root: “A root is a form which is not further analysable, either in terms of derivational or inflectional morphology. It is that part of word-form that remains when all inflectional and derivational affixes have been removed… In the form ‘untouchables’ the root is ‘touch’.”
Stem: “A stem is of concern only when dealing with inflectional morphology. In the form ‘untouchables’ the stem is ‘untouchable’.” [In short, when you remove the inflectional suffixes, you have the stem.]
Base: “A base is any form to which affixes of any kind can be added. This means that any root or any stem can be termed a base… ‘touchable’ can act as a base for prefixation to give ‘untouchable’.”
This model holds up across the curriculum. This model is the foundation of what I teach my students.
My Perfect Model: Roots, Stems, and Bases
I always like to have a complete model in mind that holds up across the curriculum. This lets me find teaching moments and ensures that I can answer my students’ questions clearly and consistently. Although I may not teach my students the entire model, at least the concepts are straight in my mind.
For this reason, I created this “Perfect Model of Roots, Stems, and Bases.” To be clear, this model is an interpretation and fuller explanation of what you might find in a linguistics book. Let me explain it to you. It all begins with morphemes.
Keep in mind that teachers don’t need to teach their students this entire model. In fact, most teachers will want to keep their morphology lessons simple and focus on roots, prefixes, and suffixes. But all teachers will want to understand this entire model.
Do you teach beginning writers or struggling writers? If you do, be sure to check out Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay on the homepage! It is the fastest, most effective way to teach students organized multi-paragraph writing… Guaranteed!
Morphemes
The term morpheme unifies the concepts of roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and therefore, it is an extremely valuable word. In short, words are composed of parts called morphemes, and each morpheme contributes meaning to the word. Morphemes are the smallest unit of language that contains meaning. Roots, prefixes, and suffixes all have one thing in common—they are all single morphemes. In contrast, stems and bases can be composed of one or many morphemes.
Root / Root Morpheme
When I use the term root, I always mean the root morpheme. The root is always the main morpheme that carries the main meaning of a word. Since a morpheme is the smallest unit of language that contains meaning, we can’t divide or analyze the root morpheme any further. Although a root can be a stand-alone word, to avoid confusion, I never use the term “root word.” I use the term root, and I use the term root morpheme to reinforce what a root is.
We have two types of root morphemes:
1. Dependent (bound) Roots: These roots cannot stand alone as words. These roots are usually Greek and Latin roots. Here are a few examples:
-
- liberty root: liber (free)
- interrupt root: rupt (break)
- similar root: sim (like)
2. Independent (free) Roots: These roots are stand-alone words. Practically speaking, these roots are almost always single-syllable words. You know the ones. It seems to me that most multi-syllable words can be further divided and further analyzed. With a little research, one finds that an ancient prefix or suffix has merged with a root. In short, most multi-syllable words are not root morphemes.
Here is what they thought 150 years ago. Although modern linguistics does not agree with these statements, it’s still food for thought. My point is that most of the independent roots that we deal with inside of the classroom are single-syllable words.
Q “All languages are formed from roots of one syllable.” – New Englander Magazine (1862)
Q “All words of all languages can be reduced to one-syllable roots.” – New Jerusalem Magazine (1853)
Here are a few examples:
-
- replaced root: place
- mindfulness root: mind
- carefully root: care
The Terms: Dependent Root and Independent Root
Modern linguistics use the term bound (for dependent) and free (for independent) to classify morphemes. Since teachers spend so much time teaching students about dependent clauses and independent clauses, I transfer this knowledge and terminology over to morphemes. Put simply: independent morphemes CAN stand alone; dependent morphemes CAN’T stand alone.
Q PREFIXES and SUFFIXES are almost always dependent morphemes—i.e., they can’t stand alone as words.
Q ROOTS are either dependent or independent morphemes.
Now, we will examine words that contain one root and words that contain two roots. As you examine these words, pay special attention to the dependent root and independent root aspect.
One Root: Many words have just one root. That one root may be a Dependent Root or an Independent Root. Remember, the root carries the main meaning of the word.
Q Word: justify Dependent Root: jus
Q Word: kindness Independent Root: kind
Two Roots: Some words have two roots. The roots may be Dependent Roots or Independent Roots. With two roots, each root contributes near equal meaning to the word.
Two Dependent Roots
Q Word: geography Dependent Root: geo (earth) Root: graph (write)
Q Word: carnivore Dependent Root: carn (flesh) Dependent Root: vor (swallow)
Q Word: cardiovascular Dependent Root: cardi (heart) Dependent Root: vas (vessel)
Two Independent Roots
Q Word: bathroom Independent Root: bath Independent Root: room
Q Word: downfall Independent Root: down Independent Root: fall
Q Word: popcorn Independent Root: pop Independent Root: corn
Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay! Put simply, it works.
Stem
I use the term stem just as Bauer does. To find the stem, simply remove the inflectional suffixes. It’s that simple.
When to Use the Term Stem: The term stem is quite unnecessary in many classrooms, as all stems are bases. For this reason, teachers can always use the term base instead of stem. However, the concept of stems is helpful in teaching students about inflectional suffixes. Inflectional suffixes are different from derivational affixes (derivational prefixes and derivational suffixes).
Q Word: reddest Stem: red
Q Word: girls’ Stem: girl
Q Word: boats Stem: boat
Q Word: preapproved Stem: preapprove
Q Word: justifying Stem: justify
Q Word: responded Stem: respond
Q Word: unjustifiable Stem: no stem
Q Word: kindness Stem: no stem
Base / Base Word
Bauer says, “A base is any form to which affixes of any kind can be added. This means that any root or any stem can be termed a base.”
In the table below, I use two labels to show how base and root relate to each other. Sometimes a base is a root (marked Q Base/Root), and sometimes it is not a root (marked Q Base).
To be clear, we can add a prefix or suffix to every base even if it already has a prefix or suffix. Furthermore, if we can add a prefix or suffix to something, we can call it a base.
Word: reread Q Base/Root: read
Word: unhelpful Q Base: helpful Q Base/Root: help
Word: justifying Q Base: justify Q Base/Root: jus
Word: unreliable Q Base: reliable Q Base/Root: rely
Word: preponderance Q Base: ponderance (uncommon) Q Base/Root: ponder
Word: responded Q Base: respond Q Base/Root: spond
Word: preapproved Q Base: preapprove Q Base: approve Q Base: approved Q Base: proved Q Base/Root: prove
Base vs. Base Word: To keep things simple, teachers should probably strike the term “base word” from their vocabulary. However, if the base is a complete word that can stand alone, teachers may choose to (or through force of habit) refer to it as a base word. If the base can’t stand alone, be sure not to call it a base word.
When to Use the Term Base: The term base is somewhat of a generic term for when we are not interested in or concerned with the root morpheme. As an example, we may choose to use the term base when we are ADDING prefixes and suffixes. When we are adding prefixes and suffixes, we often are unconcerned with finding or discussing the root morpheme. (Remember, we often add prefixes and suffixes to words that already contain prefixes and suffixes.) We may also choose to use the term base when removing a single, specific prefix or suffix, as the word may still contain other prefixes or suffixes.
Putting It All Together
Here is a table to help get you started in your word analysis studies related to root, stem, and base.
| Example Word | Stem | Root: Dependent | Root: Independent | Base |
| 1. undeniable | deny ** | deny; deniable | ||
| 2. reinvented | reinvent | ven/vent | ven/vent; invent; reinvent | |
| 3. deforestation | forest *** | forest; forestation | ||
| 4. interacted | interact | act * | act; interact | |
| 5. demographics | demographic | demo | graph * | demo; graph; demographic |
| 6. responding | respond | spond | spond; respond | |
| 7. preserving | preserve | serv | serv; preserve | |
| 8. hopefully | hope | hope; hopeful |
The Asterisks: The asterisks may be the most important part of this table. They help illustrate that every word has a unique history that often makes analysis and classification complicated and debatable.
* act and graph are also Latin roots
** deny is from Latin denegare = de (away) + negare (to refuse; to say no); since deny technically
has a Latin prefix (de-), you may choose to classify the word differently.
*** forest is from Latin foris meaning outdoors, and unlike the word deny, cannot be analyzed as
having a prefix or suffix attached.