Focus on Vocabulary: Use Word Parts
Words that share the same base word look similar. But a prefix or a suffix added to a base word makes a word with a different meaning.
| The prefix re- means “again.” | The suffix -ful means “full of.” |
| prefix base word | base wordsuffix |
| re- + use = reuse | use + -ful = useful |
| Reuse means “to use again.” | Useful means “full of use.” |
How the Strategy Works
When you read, you may come to a word you don’t know. Look for word parts to help you understand the meaning.
| EXAMPLE | We reuse paper bags. |
1. Look closely at the word to see if you know any of the parts.
2. Cover any prefixes or suffixes. reuse
3. Think about the meaning of the base word.
4. Uncover any prefixes or 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.
Strategy in Action
“ I see the suffix -ful in this word. I’ll cover it. There is the base word help. I know -ful means ‘full of.’ So help + -ful means ‘full of help.’”
REMEMBER You can use the meanings of word parts to figure out the meaning of an unknown word.