CONTEXT
Another way to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words is through CONTEXT, or the words around an unknown word or phrase.
...and you may not even need a dictionary!
So why do AFFIXES MATTER?
When you begin learning and remember the meaning of AFFIXES (suffixes and prefixes), figuring out what words mean gets easier!
AFFIXES
AFFIXES are the BUILDING BLOCKS of the English Language
An AFFIX is a word part that can't stand on its own.
*A PREFIX is an affix that is added to the
beginning of a word.
Ex. The prefix mis- means "wrongly"
mis + behave = misbehave = to behave wrongly
AFFIXES
CONNOTATION and DENOTATION
AFFIXES are the BUILDING BLOCKS of the English Language
YET ANOTHER WAY TO DETERMINE MEANING
A SUFFIX is an affix that is added to the END of a
word.
Ex. -less = without
price + less = priceless = without price
* The addition of a suffix may change the part
of speech of the root word.
Ex. price = noun and priceless = adjective
When you encounter unfamiliar words when you're reading, it can be helpful to understand what the PARTS of the word mean.
STAAR Lesson 1:
Affixes and Words in Context
TEKS 8.1.2A Determine the meaning of words
derived from roots and affixes.
8.1.2.B Use context to determine or clarify the meaning of words.
8.1.2.E Use a dictionary, a glossary, or a thesaurus to determine meanings.
You can determine the meaning of unfamiliar words by:
...and sometimes the dictionary or a thesaurus!
LET'S REVIEW LESSON ONE:
Understanding the meaning of affixes,
which are prefixes and suffixes.
Using context clues.
Distinguishing between the connotative and
denotative meanings of the word.