Mastering GRE Vocabulary: The Power of Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Verbal Reasoning section often features challenging vocabulary. A highly effective strategy to tackle this is by understanding the building blocks of words: root words, prefixes, and suffixes. By mastering these components, you can decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and significantly expand your vocabulary arsenal.
What are Root Words?
A root word is the core part of a word that carries its fundamental meaning. Many English words are derived from Latin and Greek roots. Understanding these roots allows you to infer the meaning of words even if you haven't encountered them before. For example, the Latin root 'spect' means 'to look'.
To look.
Understanding Prefixes
Prefixes are word parts added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning. They often indicate negation, direction, quantity, or time. For example, the prefix 'un-' means 'not'.
Prefixes modify the meaning of a root word. Common prefixes include 'un-' (not), 're-' (again), 'pre-' (before), 'anti-' (against), and 'dis-' (apart or not). For instance, 'unhappy' means 'not happy', and 'redo' means 'do again'. The placement of a prefix at the beginning of a root word is crucial for its function.
Text-based content
Library pages focus on text content
Again.
The Role of Suffixes
Suffixes are word parts added to the end of a root word. They often change the word's part of speech (e.g., from a verb to a noun or adjective) or add nuances to its meaning. For example, the suffix '-able' means 'capable of being'.
| Word Part | Position | Primary Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Word | Core of the word | Carries fundamental meaning | spect (to look) |
| Prefix | Beginning of the word | Modifies meaning (negation, direction, etc.) | un- (not) |
| Suffix | End of the word | Changes part of speech or adds nuance | -able (capable of being) |
Putting It All Together: Decoding GRE Vocabulary
By combining your knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you can break down complex GRE vocabulary words. For instance, consider the word 'introspection'. 'Intro-' is a prefix meaning 'inward', and 'spect' is a root meaning 'to look'. Therefore, 'introspection' means 'looking inward', or self-examination. This systematic approach is far more efficient than rote memorization.
Think of learning roots, prefixes, and suffixes as acquiring a secret code to unlock thousands of words. The more you practice, the faster you'll become at deciphering their meanings.
Common GRE Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Here are some frequently encountered word parts on the GRE. Familiarize yourself with these to build a strong foundation.
Key Roots
- 'bene': good (e.g., benevolent, benefit)
- 'mal': bad (e.g., malevolent, malfunction)
- 'vid'/'vis': to see (e.g., evident, vision)
- 'aud': to hear (e.g., audible, audience)
- 'scrib'/'script': to write (e.g., describe, scripture)
- 'port': to carry (e.g., transport, portable)
- 'ject': to throw (e.g., reject, project)
- 'log': word, study (e.g., dialogue, biology)
Key Prefixes
- 'a-'/'an-': not, without (e.g., atypical, anarchy)
- 'anti-': against (e.g., antidote, antipathy)
- 'circum-': around (e.g., circumvent, circumference)
- 'de-': down, away (e.g., descend, depart)
- 'ex-': out (e.g., expel, extract)
- 'in-'/'im-': in, into, not (e.g., include, impossible)
- 'mono-': one (e.g., monologue, monopoly)
- 'poly-': many (e.g., polygon, polytheism)
Key Suffixes
- '-ology': study of (e.g., psychology, geology)
- '-ment': action, state (e.g., amazement, government)
- '-ous': full of (e.g., courageous, dangerous)
- '-ify': to make (e.g., clarify, beautify)
- '-ism': doctrine, belief (e.g., skepticism, capitalism)
- '-ity': state of being (e.g., creativity, sincerity)
- '-less': without (e.g., fearless, hopeless)
- '-able'/'ible': capable of being (e.g., readable, edible)
Practice Makes Perfect
The most effective way to internalize these word parts is through consistent practice. Actively look for these roots, prefixes, and suffixes in your reading, and try to deconstruct new words you encounter. Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, and GRE practice tests to reinforce your learning.
Learning Resources
This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of common roots, prefixes, and suffixes relevant to GRE vocabulary, with examples and study tips.
Kaplan offers a practical guide to dissecting words using their etymological components, crucial for GRE vocabulary building.
PrepScholar provides an extensive list of common GRE roots, prefixes, and suffixes, along with strategies for applying this knowledge.
A detailed resource listing numerous Greek and Latin roots, their meanings, and example words, perfect for in-depth study.
The Purdue Online Writing Lab offers clear explanations and examples of common prefixes and suffixes, focusing on their grammatical functions.
A video tutorial that visually explains how to use roots, prefixes, and suffixes to expand GRE vocabulary, making abstract concepts easier to grasp.
This article from Manhattan Prep emphasizes the strategic advantage of learning word roots for GRE success, offering practical advice.
Provides a broad understanding of etymology, the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.
Quizlet offers user-created flashcard sets specifically for GRE roots, prefixes, and suffixes, allowing for interactive practice and memorization.
Khan Academy provides a structured approach to learning vocabulary strategies, including a section dedicated to understanding word parts for the GRE.