ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning focuses on developing critical reading and verbal skills necessary for success in the ISEE exam.

SynonymsSentence CompletionUsing Context Clues
AnalogiesWord Roots, Prefixes, and SuffixesUnderstanding Tone and Purpose
Building a Strong VocabularyComprehension in Everyday LifeApplying Synonyms and Context in Communication
Process of EliminationManaging Your Time
SynonymsSentence CompletionUsing Context CluesAnalogiesWord Roots, Prefixes...Understanding Tone a...Building a Strong Vo...Comprehension in Eve...Applying Synonyms an...Process of Eliminati...Managing Your Time
Advanced Topics

Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Boosting Vocabulary with Word Parts

Many English words are built from roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Learning these parts helps you unlock the meanings of unfamiliar words.

What Are Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes?

  • Root: The main part of the word that holds the core meaning.
  • Prefix: A group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning.
  • Suffix: A group of letters added to the end of a word to change its form.

Why Learn Them?

  • Decode big words by breaking them into parts.
  • Guess the meanings of new words.
  • Improve your spelling!

Fun with Word Parts

Try building new words by adding prefixes and suffixes to roots you know.

Examples

  • Unhappy = un (not) + happy

  • Predict = pre (before) + dict (say)

In a Nutshell

Knowing roots, prefixes, and suffixes helps you figure out what new words mean.

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Understanding Tone and Purpose