In English grammar, a root word is the basic lexical unit of a word that carries its core meaning. It is the foundation upon which other words are built by adding prefixes and suffixes. Root words are also known as base words or stem words.
For example, the root word “love” can form other words such as “lovable”, “lovely”, “lover”, “lovingly”, etc. Similarly, the root word “play” can form “playful”, “player”, “playing”, “playground”, and so on.
Understanding root words can help improve vocabulary and comprehension skills as it allows one to recognize the meaning of unfamiliar words by breaking them down into their component parts.
How many word roots are there in English?
There is no definitive answer to the exact number of word roots in English as the language has borrowed extensively from other languages over time, resulting in a vast and constantly evolving vocabulary. However, some estimates suggest that there are thousands of word roots in English.
English has a diverse range of root words, including those of Latin, Greek, Germanic, French, and many other origins. These roots provide the basis for the construction of many English words, allowing speakers to easily understand new words and form new words themselves.
It’s worth noting that many English words have multiple roots, and some words have roots from more than one language. Additionally, some words have been created in English by combining two or more existing words, rather than by using a root word.
Here is a root word list in English:
Aqua: aquarium, aquatic, aquamarine, aqueduct, aquaplane
Aud: audio, auditorium, audible, audition, inaudible
Auto: automobile, autonomy, automatic, autograph, autocracy
Bene: benefit, benevolent, benefactor, benign, benediction
Biblio: bibliography, bibliophile, bibliotherapy, bibulous, bibliopole
Bio: biography, biosynthesis, biochemistry, biofeedback, biotech
Cap: capture, capacity, capsule, capitalize, decapitate
Cardi: cardiac, cardiology, cardiogram, cardiopulmonary, cardiomegaly
Cede: concede, recede, intercede, secede, antecedent
Cogn: recognize, cognitive, incognito, agnostic, cognizance
Corp: corporation, corpse, corporal, corpulent, corporatism
Crypto: cryptic, cryptography, cryptogram, encrypt, cryptologist
Demi: demigod, demitasse, demimonde, demirelief, demitint
Derm: dermatology, dermal, epidermis, hypodermic, taxidermy
Dict: dictate, dictator, diction, predict, verdict
Duct: conduct, ductile, ductwork, abduct, induct
Dyna: dynamic, dynamite, dynasty, hydrodynamic, thermodynamic
Equi: equal, equitable, equinox, equilateral, equidistant
Extra: extraordinary, extraterrestrial, extravagant, extraneous, extracurricular
Fer: transfer, infer, fertile, defer, aquifer
Fid: confident, fidelity, infidel, confidential, affidavit
Flu: fluid, fluctuate, influence, influenza, fluent
Fort: fortress, fortify, fortunate, fortitude, comfort
Fract: fracture, fraction, refract, infraction, fractal
Gen: generation, genetics, generate, genealogy, carcinogen
Geo: geology, geography, geocentric, geothermal, geopolitics
Graph: graphic, autograph, graphite, photography, lithograph
Hydro: hydrology, hydroplane, hydrophobia, dehydrate, hydrometer
Hyper: hyperactive, hyperbole, hypertension, hypercritical, hyperrealism
Hypo: hypodermic, hypoglycemia, hypothesis, hypothermia, hypotension
Intra: intramural, intravenous, intrapersonal, intrastate, intrauterine
Jur: justice, juror, jurisdiction, jury, injure
Loc: location, relocate, local, dislocate, locomotion
Log: logic, logarithm, dialogue, apology, analog
Luc: lucid, translucent, elucidate, lucubrate, pellucid
Macro: macroeconomics, macrocosm, macrophage, macronutrient, macroevolution
Mal: malevolent, malfunction, malnutrition, malcontent, maladjusted
Medi: medium, mediate, meditation, medieval, intermediary
Mega: megaphone, megalopolis, megabyte, megalomania, megafauna
Micro: microscope, microbe, microcosm, microeconomics, microchip
Naut: Nautical, astronaut, astronautics
Neo: Neoclassical, neologism, neonatal
Neuro: Neurology, neuroscience, neuropsychology
Oct: Octagon, octopus, octave
Omni: Omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent
Opt: Optimal, optician, optimize
Pac: Pacify, pacifist, pacifier
Pan: Panorama, pandemic, panacea
Path: Pathology, empathy, psychopath
Ped: Pedal, pedestrian, pediatrics
Phil: Philosophy, philanthropy, bibliophile
Phon: Phone, phonics, microphone
Photo: Photography, photogenic, photosynthesis
Pod: Podiatry, tripod, pseudopod
Poly: Polygon, polygamy, polymer
Quad: Quadrant, quadruple, quadrennial
Retro: Retroactive, retrograde, retrospective
Rhin: Rhinoceros, rhinoplasty, rhinestone
Scope: Telescope, microscope, periscope
Sect: Section, sectarian, bisect
Semi: Semifinal, semicolon, semiconscious
Sol: Solitude, solo, solar
Spec: Spectacle, specter, spectator
Super: Superman, superpower, supervises
Syn/Sym: Synchronize, synthesis, sympathy
Tele: Television, telegraph, telepathy
Terra: Terrestrial, terrain, extraterrestrial
Trans: Transportation, transfer, transcontinental
Ultra: Ultraviolet, ultrasonic, ultraconservative
Uni: Universe, unify, unicorn
Ver: Verify, veracity, veritable
Vice: Vice-president, viceroy, vice-chancellor
Vid/Vis: Video, visible, vision
Water: Waterproof, watercolor, waterlogged
Xeno: Xenophobia, xenophile, xenon
Y/yr: Yearly, anniversary, centenary
Zen: Zenith, zenon, zenana
Zo: Zoology, zoo, protozoan
Root Words List | Images
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
Asked by: August White I
Score: 4.7/5
(1 votes)
The prefix in, which means “in, on, or not,” appears in numerous English vocabulary words, for example: inject, influx, and insane.
What is a root word example?
What Is a Root Word? A root word is a word or word part that forms the basis of new words through the addition of prefixes and suffixes. … For example, “egotist” has a root word of “ego” plus the suffix -ist. “Acting” has the root word “act” and -ing is merely the suffix.
How do you find the root of 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 is prefix of in?
The Prefix In- English has two prefixes that are spelled <in>. One means “in”; the other means “no, not.” For instance, independent means “not dependent,” just the opposite of dependent. So the in- in independent means “not.”
What does the prefix in or IM mean?
used with the meanings in, into, towards or within, before words beginning with ‘b’, ‘m’, and ‘p’
23 related questions found
What is prefix in name?
Definition of prefix (Entry 2 of 3) 1 : an affix attached to the beginning of a word, base, or phrase and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form — compare suffix. 2 : a title used before a person’s name.
How do you find the prefix root and suffix of a word?
- When a group of letters having a special meaning appears at the beginning of a word, we call that group of letters a prefix. …
- Word roots are the words from other languages that are the origin of many English words. …
- A group of letters with a special meaning appearing at the end of a word is called a suffix.
Which is the correct definition of a word root?
A root is a word or word part that forms the base of a word and holds its basic meaning. … The full word that the root comes from is called a root word.
What is root or base word?
What is a Base Word? … The part of the word that cannot be broken down is called a base word, also known as a root word. The base word gives the word its basic meaning. Sometimes, base words have a prefix, which is a letter or letters added to the beginning, or a suffix, which is a letter or letters added to the end.
Which prefix means onto?
word-forming element meaning «a being, individual; being, existence,» from stem of Greek on (genitive ontos) «being,» neuter present participle of einai «to be» (from PIE root *es- «to be»).
What is prefix Inter?
inter- prefix. Definition of inter- (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : between : among : in the midst intercrop interpenetrate interstellar. 2 : reciprocal interrelation : reciprocally intermarry.
What is the root word of sentence?
and directly from Latin sententia «thought, way of thinking, opinion; judgment, decision,» also «a thought expressed; aphorism, saying,» from sentientem, present participle of sentire «be of opinion, feel, perceive» (see sense (n.)).
What is a base word example?
A base word can stand alone and has meaning (for example, help). A suffix is a word part added to the end of a word (for example, -ful). If you add the suffix -ful to the base word, help, the word is helpful. A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word or base word (for example, un-).
What is a word root medical terminology?
The root or stem of a medical term usually has been derived from a Greek or Latin noun or verb. This root expresses the basic meaning of the term. … Frequently a root + a suffix will be used as a suffix and added to another root as a word ending. Some examples are -emia, -genic, -penia, and -pathy.
What is the root word of description?
description Add to list Share. … The root for description is the Latin word descriptio, meaning “to write down.” The “script” in description tells you that a good description makes what it describes come to life, like a script for a movie.
What is a root word and suffix?
Root: the basic part of a word; the prefixes and suffixes are added to it. Suffix: a group of letters that come at the end of a word. un + change + able = unchangeable. Some words are just root words, meaning they don’t have a prefix or suffix. Some words have a root word and just a prefix or just a suffix.
What is prefix suffix and root words?
A root word is a basic word with no prefix or suffix added to it (a prefix is a string of letters that go at the start of a word; a suffix is a string of letters that go at the end of a word). By adding prefixes and suffixes to a root word we can change its meaning.
How do you identify a suffix?
A suffix is a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word which makes a new word. The new word is most often a different word class from the original word. In the table above, the suffix -ful has changed verbs to adjectives, -ment, and -ion have changed verbs to nouns.
What is prefix root suffix?
A word root is a part of a word. It contains the core meaning of the word, but it cannot stand alone. A prefix is also a word part that cannot stand alone. It is placed at the beginning of a word to change its meaning. A suffix is a word part that is placed at the end of a word to change its meaning.
How do you write the prefix before a name?
something prefixed, as a title before a person’s name: She uses the prefix “Ms.” rather than «Mrs.»
Are Mr and Mrs prefixes?
What is Mr and Mrs called? Mr and Mrs are the most common prefixes. Some differences between a prefix and a suffix are that a prefix is used before the name, whether it is a full name, first name, or last name; a suffix could only be used after a person’s full name.
Is Dr a prefix or title?
A physician or surgeon may use the prefix “Dr.” or “Doctor”, and shall add after the person’s name the letters, “M. D.” 3. An osteopathic physician and surgeon may use the prefix “Dr.” or “Doctor”, and shall add after the person’s name the letters, “D. O.”, or the words “osteopathic physician and surgeon”. 4.