MEPX
Chapter 3 of 10All chapters
  1. 1Why context works
  2. 2The four clue types
  3. 3Word parts
  4. 4Shades of meaning
  5. 5Building vocabulary
  6. 6Vocabulary in exams
  7. 7Figurative use
  8. 8Academic and formal words
  9. 9Latin and Greek roots
  10. 10Keeping it

Chapter 3 of 10

Word parts

Prefix, root, suffix.

Using them

Recognising in- as not, -able as capable of, and roots such as dict for speak lets you reconstruct a plausible meaning. Combine that with context rather than relying on it alone.

  • Common prefixes: un-, in-, dis-, re-, pre-, mis-, over-.
  • Suffixes usually mark the part of speech rather than the meaning.

Where it fails

In- can mean into as well as not. Nice once meant ignorant. Word parts suggest and do not settle, which is why the check matters.