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Hi there! I'm Studyfin, your learning partner. Today, we will explore how small word parts can build big meanings!
Every big word has a story. Many English words are built from older Greek and Latin roots. When we add a prefix to the front or a suffix to the end, we change the word's meaning.
Let us look at prefixes like 'trans-' and 'super-'. The prefix 'trans-' means 'across' or 'through', like in a transport truck. The prefix 'super-' means 'above' or 'beyond', like a superstar who shines above others.
Suffixes go at the end of a word. The suffix '-ive' means 'tending to' or 'doing' an action, like being active. The suffix '-logy' means 'the study of', like biology, which is the study of living things.
Explain the meaning of the word 'supportive' by analyzing its root, prefix, or suffix.
- Find the base word. The base word is 'support', which means to hold up or help.
- Identify the word parts. We see the suffix '-ive' attached to the end of 'support'.
- Recall the meaning of the suffix. The suffix '-ive' means 'tending to' or 'having the quality of' an action.
- Combine the meanings. 'Support' plus '-ive' means tending to help or hold others up.
- Explain the final usage. A supportive friend is someone who has the quality of helping and encouraging you.
