Word Anatomy Reference Sheet
Vocabulary Toolkit Language Arts Anchor Guide
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Word Anatomy Reference Sheet
Base vs. Root & Prefix vs. Suffix
1
Base Word vs. Root Word
Core Rule
A base word can stand on its own as a complete English word, while a root word is a core word part (often Greek or Latin) that usually cannot stand alone.
Base Word Stands Alone
A real, standalone word before any prefixes or suffixes are attached.
Example: play
Works by itself, and forms new words like replay or playful.
Root Word Needs Affixes
A core meaningful piece that requires affixes to form an English word.
Example: struct
Latin for build. It cannot stand alone, but builds construct and destruction.
2
Prefixes & Suffixes (Affixes)
Core Rule
A prefix attaches to the beginning of a word to alter its meaning, while a suffix attaches to the end of a word to modify its meaning or change its part of speech.
Prefix (At Front) Changes Meaning
Added before a base or root to change or reverse what it means.
Example: un- (meaning not)
un- + happy = unhappy
Turns "happy" into its opposite.
Suffix (At End) Changes Grammar
Added after a base or root to alter its function, tense, or form.
Example: -ness (turns into noun)
happy + -ness = happiness
Turns the adjective "happy" into a noun.
Word Formula:
Prefix (un-) + Base (break) + Suffix (-able) = unbreakable
Quick Memory Trick
Pre- goes before (front), Suff- sits at the end (back), and a Base word can stand on its own two feet!
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