Simple words are sometimes spoken of as root words. _Root_ means that
from which something grows. We know our language is a living, growing
thing and these root words are the roots where the growth begins. One
way in which this growth is accomplished and new words added to our
language is by placing syllables before or after the root word--the
simple word--as, for example: _unmanly_.
In this we have a syllable placed before and a syllable placed after the
root word _man_. The syllable placed before the root word is called the
prefix from the Latin _pre_ meaning _before_ and the Latin word to
place. Therefore, prefix means literally _to place before_.
+A prefix consists of one or more syllables placed before a word
to qualify its meaning.+
The syllable placed after the root word, or simple word, is called the
suffix, from the Latin _sub_ meaning after and the Latin word to place.
_Subfix_ the word should be literally, but for the sake of the
sound--the euphony, the good sound--we say _suffix_.
+A suffix consists of one or more syllables placed after a word to
qualify its meaning.+
+The words made by adding prefixes and suffixes are called derivative
words.+
You remember we used a suffix in forming participles. The present
participle is formed by adding the suffix _ing_ to the simple form of
the verb. The past participle is formed by adding the suffix _ed_ to the
simple form of the verb.
The words in the spelling lesson for this week are derivative words
formed by adding a prefix or suffix, or both, to the simple word. Draw a
line through the prefix and the suffix and leave the simple or root
word.
+Monday+
Wonderful
Prosperous
Disloyalty
Uncovered
Government
+Tuesday+
Memorize
Unreality
Co-operation
Dependent
Truly
+Wednesday+
Beautify
Countless
Uncomfortable
Dishonesty
Producer
+Thursday+
Existence
Untruthfulness
Discontentment
Victory
Removable
+Friday+
Impurity
Unwillingness
Indebted
Overwearisome
Enjoyable
+Saturday+
Obligation
Hopeless
Endanger
Precaution
Denial