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root words
 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun root word has 1 sense
  1. root, root word, base, stem, theme, radical - (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed; "thematic vowels are part of the stem"
    --1 is a kind of form, word form, signifier, descriptor

Definitions from the Web

Root Words

Description:

Root words, also known as base words, are the basic units of a language that carry meaning and serve as the foundation for constructing words. They are the core elements that other words are built upon through the addition of prefixes and suffixes. Understanding root words is crucial for expanding vocabulary and deciphering the meaning of complex words.

Senses:

1. Etymology: In linguistics, root words refer to the origins of words in a particular language or their historical development.

2. Lexicography: In lexicography, root words represent the main entry words from which various derived or compound words are formed.

Usages:

General Usage: Learning root words can greatly enhance your language skills and improve your ability to comprehend and use unfamiliar words efficiently.

Education: Root words play a significant role in language education, especially for learning new languages and improving vocabulary skills.

Word Formation: Root words are the primary source for forming new words, including derivatives, compound words, and inflected forms.

Etymological Studies: Study of root words enables researchers and linguists to trace the historical development and evolution of a language.

Sample Sentences:

1. The English word "photography" derives from the root words "photo" meaning light and "graph" meaning drawing.

2. Latin is known for its numerous root words that are the basis of several modern-day languages.

3. Learning root words is an effective method to expand your vocabulary and decipher the meaning of complex medical terms.

4. The linguistics professor assigned a homework task to analyze the root words in a selected set of English words.

Related Products:

Explore the following books on understanding root words:

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