Are Base Words and Root Words the Same
Throughout grammar classes everywhere, students and faculty members alike may have the following question in the back of their minds, “are base words and root words the same?” This is one question that has sparked controversy for years, and in order to better find the answer to the “are base words and root words the same” question, it may be necessary to review the rules of basic vocabulary.
Basic Vocabulary
As it is many words in the English language have been borrowed from other languages. The origins are usually Latin or Greek. A word usually has three parts to it, they are a root, a prefix and a suffix. It is in the root part of the word that the base element or basic meaning is contained. So when it comes to the idea of base words and root words, the truth is that the terms base and root are one in the same.
The prefix is a word element that is in front of the root or base of a word. Whereas the suffix is the word element that is after the root or base of a word. Both the prefix and suffix when applied to a root have the ability to completely change the word.
Examples of Root Words
You are still probably wondering, “are base words and root words the same?” Let’s further analyze the notion of the root word. Since roots are the base elements of a word that convey the basic meaning of the word. So if you take words that you use every day, like the word reaction, you will notice that the root or base word within the word react is the word act.
When simplified further, you can easily see that they word act refers to something that you do or how you perform or behave. If you look closely, you will see that the prefix of the word reaction is simply re. The prefix in its simplest form means back or again. The suffix of the word reaction is simply ion, and it is this suffix that can turn just about any word into a noun.
So when you look at the root or base of the word reaction and combine it with the meanings of both the prefix and the suffix, you can easily understand what it means which is to act in response to something.
Are Base Words and Root Words the Same?
Yes they are the same. There have been consistent debates within the teaching community regarding the use of the terms base and root. On one side, some teachers believe that a base word is a word that can stand alone. Whereas, on the other side, some teachers believe that a root word is a word element that requires a prefix or suffix in order to be considered a sensible word. Despite the continuous debate that seems to go on between members within the teaching world, the terms base and root are simply synonyms for each other when it comes to the notion of root words.
The confusion possibly lay in the definition of a root word. However it is in that definition that the term base is used to reference the meaning in which a root word describes. Since the term base is used in the definition of a root word, it is easy to see how people may have drawn the word from the definition and used it interchangeably with the word root.
Information on the idea of base words vs. root words can be exceedingly hard to find. Usually such lessons are taught on a third grade grammar level or in tests of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) class. When searching for clarification online, it can be best to search for teaching materials that deal with the terms base or root words. You will more than likely find a clear and concise definition, as well as cognitive illustration or samples of base/root words.
Through doing your search you will find that you no longer need to ask “are base words and root words the same” because the answer will be right in front of you.