Mission 4: Word Study
PRO*JECT*OR
Pro-* = Ject = * -Or
1) in favor of throw 1) indicates state
2) outward/in front of 2) indicates condition
3)substitution for 3) indicates activity
The above word, projector, should be a familiar word to help break down how these word parts work together to make meaning. We all know that a projector is a thing that allows us to see an image in front of us. Let's break it down a bit further...
A projector is a thing (indicating state of existence) that allows us to see (throws) an image in front of us (outward).
Jail Words: Before we study these word parts in too much depth, we need to understand that there are times that a word might contain one of these parts and not contain any part of the definition. These are going to be referred to as "jail" words because they are breaking the rules. This is why it is even more important to understand the parts, but also use the context of the word to help make sense of its use (see Mission 3 for context).
The lists below are not complete.
*Note: When a word ends or begins with (-) it means it is either a prefix or a suffix. A prefix will end with (-) and a suffix will begin with (-).
Prefix: word part added to the beginning of a word that adds/changes meaning to the root. Not all words have a prefix.
an- not ad- to
for- not amphi- both, around
il- not auto- self
im- not, into co- together
in- not mal- bad
ir- not re- again, back
un- not sub- under, back
de- opposite trans- across
dis- opposite pro- before, forward
Root: word or word part that is the "base" of the meaning. Roots can appear anywhere in a word. Most words have a root, but they should not be confused with compound words, where two words are pushed together to form a new word.
act = do
aud = hear
cred = believe
dic = speak
graph = write
loc = place
man = hand
mot = move
ped = foot
pop = people
port = carry
sign = mark
spec = see
tract = pull, drag
vid = see
volve = roll
Suffix: word part added to the end of the word that adds/changes meaning to the root. Not all words have a suffix.
-ade action or process
-age action or process
-ment action or process
-ment product or thing
-ment action or quality of
-dom state or quality of
-ant one who
-ent one who
-or one who
-cle small
-ful full of
-ic relating to
-less without
-let small
-ly resembling
-ly every
How to Study Words
Below is a list of links to graphic organizers that will help you study word parts. Each of the links below is an example of a graphic organizer for word study. In your Reader's Notebook's 'Word Work' section (near the back), work through the process for a word you are studying. Recreate the graphic organizer as best as possible using what you see on these documents.
word parts list adapted from: Beers, G. (2003). When Kids Can't Read, What Teachers Can Do: A Guide for Teachers, 6-12. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
complete list attached below.