Using English Word Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes to Improve Vocabulary

Some are blessed with good vocabulary, some work hard and gain it, while some need to work little extra to improve it. Vocabulary is important for government job aspirants as they have to answer reading comprehension, antonyms-synonyms, and other vocabulary-based questions that are part of such exams.

English section can be very scoring for aspirants, if they have a strong vocabulary. We all know that, the number of times we are exposed to a word, the stronger our understanding becomes. But, what if we do not have much time left for this repetitive practice, then we look for short cuts to remember things.

Way to Improve Vocabulary 

• The best thing aspirants can do to improve vocabulary, is to understand it using word root.
• If you have understanding about the root of the word you do not need to remember meaning of every word. You will be able to guess the meaning of the word easily through its root.
• Finding the correct antonym or synonym through its suffix or prefix is a lot easier than to remember the meaning of the word.
• Using root-based vocabulary, you will be able to save time and score well in the vocabulary-based section.
• If you have knowledge about the positive-negative suffix and prefix, the task becomes a hell lot easier.

Although, there are always tricky words that need attention. You cannot find shortcut for everything, you need to remember some. Why I give emphasis on word root-based vocabulary? Because you never know which word will come up in the exam, and it’s tough to remember thousands of words. Through this type of learning you do not need to remember meaning of every word. You only need to remember roots, which will help you reach the meaning of the word.

Below are some roots, suffixes and prefixes, along with their meanings and examples, which will help improve your vocabulary.

The Bottom Line 

Many studies have shown the importance of building vocabulary using word roots. A study has also revealed that a set of 14 roots and 20 prefixes, and knowledge of using them, will help unlock the meaning of more than 100,000 words. This shows the power of word roots, prefixes and suffixes. Can you imagine how difficult it is to remember meaning of 100,000 words?

This little thing can help you unlock meaning of most of the new words that you come across.

Use the power of word root, prefix and suffix and win the game. All the best!