Here's how to think about root words:
* Think of it as the foundation of a word. Just like a building needs a solid foundation, a word needs a root to carry its primary meaning.
* Root words are often, but not always, Latin or Greek. Many words in English come from these languages.
* Root words can stand alone or be combined with prefixes and suffixes. For example, the root word "port" means "to carry." We can add the prefix "trans" to create the word "transport," which means "to carry across."
Here are some examples of root words and their meanings:
* "graph" - to write
* "tele" - far
* "bio" - life
* "geo" - earth
* "phon" - sound
Understanding root words can help you:
* Learn new words. Knowing the meaning of common root words can help you deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words.
* Improve your vocabulary. By studying root words, you can expand your knowledge of the English language.
* Understand the structure of words. Root words help you break down complex words into their component parts.
Remember, not all words have obvious root words. Some words are simply borrowed from other languages.