Focus on Vocabulary: Use Word Parts
Word parts include base words, prefixes, and suffixes. If you focus on word parts you already know, you can figure out the meanings of new words.
EXAMPLES
| Base Word work verb to make an effort at a task | Prefix (re-) rework verb to do something again | Suffix (-able) workable adjective something that is able to be done | Prefix and Suffix unworkable adjective something that is not able to be done |
How the Strategy Works
When you read, you may come to a word you do not know. Check the word’s parts to help you understand the word’s meaning.
| EXAMPLE | The number of patients was unmanageable for one doctor. |
1. Look closely at the word to see if you know any of the parts.
2. Cover any prefixes and suffixes. unmanageable
3. Think about the meaning of the base word.
4. Uncover the prefixes and suffixes and determine their meanings.
5. Put the meanings of the word parts together to understand the whole word. Be sure the meaning makes sense in the passage.
Use the strategy to figure out the meaning of each underlined word.
REMEMBER You can figure out the meaning of an unknown word when you focus on the meanings of the word parts.