How do word roots contribute to the formation of new words?

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How do word roots contribute to the formation of new words?

Word roots play a crucial role in the formation of new words by providing the basic meaning or concept upon which additional prefixes, suffixes, or other word parts can be added. They serve as the foundation upon which new words are built, allowing for the expansion and evolution of language.

Word roots are typically derived from Latin or Greek languages and are often derived from nouns, verbs, or adjectives. These roots carry a specific meaning that can be combined with other word parts to create new words with related meanings.

For example, the Latin root "aud" means "to hear." By adding the prefix "au-" meaning "to increase" and the suffix "-ible" meaning "capable of," we can form the word "audible," which means "capable of being heard." Similarly, by adding the suffix "-tion" meaning "the act or process of," we can form the word "audition," which refers to the act or process of hearing.

Word roots also allow for the formation of related words through the addition of prefixes or suffixes that modify or specify the meaning of the root. For instance, the root "bio" means "life." By adding the prefix "micro-" meaning "small," we can form the word "microbiology," which refers to the study of small living organisms. On the other hand, by adding the suffix "-logy" meaning "the study of," we can form the word "biology," which refers to the study of life in general.

In addition to prefixes and suffixes, word roots can also be combined with other word roots to create compound words. For example, the Latin root "tele" means "far off" and the Greek root "phone" means "sound." By combining these roots, we can form the word "telephone," which refers to a device that transmits sound over long distances.

Overall, word roots provide the building blocks for the formation of new words by conveying a specific meaning or concept. They allow for the expansion and flexibility of language, enabling us to create and understand a wide range of words with related meanings.