Web Lecture 1.3 Words - their construction and use 1.3.1. How words are constructed Types of Roots Types of Affixes 1.3.2. Let's take a closer look at behavior of these two classes of morphemes.
Roots also contribute the greatest conceptual content to the overall meaning of the word.
Since roots are doing most of the work of conveying meaning, they are required word elements. For example, pter is a root meaning 'wing'. Also, the meaning 'wing' is a vital and central part of the overall meaning of the word. Affixes are morphemes which attach to roots or a combination of roots and other affixes. Their main use is to modify the meaning conveyed by the root or roots.