Root
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2023-11-26

In English language, the term "root" refers to the basic building block of a word. It is the part of a word that carries its core meaning and cannot be further divided into smaller meaningful units. Understanding roots is crucial for expanding your vocabulary as it helps you recognize and decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Roots can be categorized into two main types: base roots and affix roots.
1. Base Roots:
Base roots are standalone words that can be used independently or as part of a larger word. Here are a few examples:
- "Photo" is a base root that means "light." It is used in words like "photograph" (a picture taken by a camera) and "photosynthesis" (the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy).
- "Bio" is a base root that means "life." It is used in words like "biology" (the study of living organisms) and "biography" (a written account of someone's life).
- "Tele" is a base root that means "distance" or "far." It is used in words like "television" (a device that transmits images and sound over long distances) and "telecommunication" (communication over a distance).
2. Affix Roots:
Affix roots are smaller units that are attached to the beginning or end of a word to modify its meaning. Here are a few examples:
- "Un-" is an affix root that means "not" or "opposite." It is used in words like "unhappy" (not happy) and "unusual" (not usual).
- "-er" is an affix root that denotes a person or thing that performs a particular action. It is used in words like "teacher" (a person who teaches) and "baker" (a person who bakes).
- "-able" is an affix root that means "capable of" or "able to be." It is used in words like "comfortable" (capable of providing comfort) and "drinkable" (able to be drunk).
Understanding roots helps in deciphering the meanings of unfamiliar words. For example, if you encounter the word "geography" and you know that "geo" means "earth," you can infer that "geography" refers to the study of the earth's features and phenomena.
By familiarizing yourself with different roots, you can enhance your vocabulary and better comprehend the meaning of various words in the English language.