Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

One of the most powerful vocabulary skills you can develop for the SET is the ability to break words apart. If you understand roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you can work out the meaning of unfamiliar words — even ones you have never seen before. This is especially valuable in the SET Stage 1 comprehension, where questions may ask you to explain what a word means in context.

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What Is a Word Root?

A root (or root word) is the core part of a word that carries its main meaning. Many English roots come from Latin and Greek.

Common Latin Roots