Here's why:
* Root: This is the basic form of a word, usually from an ancient language, that holds the core meaning. For example, the root "scrib" means "to write" and is found in words like "scribe," "describe," and "inscription."
* Prefixes and Suffixes: These are added to the root to modify its meaning. For example, "pre" (meaning "before") and "tion" (meaning "action") can be added to "scrib" to create words like "prescribe" and "inscription."
While prefixes and suffixes contribute to the overall meaning, the root remains the foundation, carrying the fundamental idea that the word represents.