Introduction to the Building Blocks of Words (Morphemes)

1. Introduction to the Building Blocks of Words(Morphemes) Mrs. Lima

2. The building Blocks of Words • New words are also created when words or word elements, or morphemes, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes, are combined in new ways. Morphemes cannot stand alone, but when combined together, create meaning. • A prefix is a word part that cannot stand alone. It is placed at the beginning of a word to change its meaning. • A word root is a part of a word. It contains the core meaning of the word, but it cannot stand alone. • A suffix is a word part that is placed at the end of a word to change its meaning. • Often you can guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word if you know the meaning of its parts; that is, the root and any prefixes or suffixes that are attached to it.

3. Example. . . • PREDICTION

4. The Building Blocks of “Prediction” • Prefix: • Pre- means “before, or in front of” • Root: • Dict- means “to speak” • Suffix: • -Tionis added to form nouns of action • So, when you break it down, prediction means to something that is spoken before

5. List 1: Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes • Prefixes

6. Roots

7. Suffixes