Understanding Word Formation

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To excel in the IELTS, a robust vocabulary is essential, which includes grasping the concept of "word formation." In this article, we will explore the basics of word formation and how it can enhance your vocabulary, ultimately improving your IELTS band score.

What is Word Formation?
So, what exactly does "word formation" entail? In simple terms, it refers to how words are constructed from various components. For instance, consider the word "happy":

Unhappy
Happiness
Unhappiness
Happier
Happiest

These words are interconnected, as they all derive from "happy." However, their different formations give them unique meanings:

  • Unhappy: The prefix "un" conveys a negative connotation, meaning "not happy."
  • Happiness: The suffix "-iness" indicates a state of being, making this word mean "the state of being happy."
  • Unhappiness: By adding the prefix "un-" to "happiness," it transforms into "the state of not being happy."
  • Happier: The suffix "-ier" is used to form comparatives, hence "happier" means "more happy."
  • Happiest: The suffix "-iest" denotes the superlative form, indicating "the most happy."

Benefits of Learning Word Formation
Understanding word formation significantly aids in expanding your vocabulary. When you learn a word like "happy," you can delve into related terms, effectively learning multiple words through this understanding.

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Common Prefixes and Suffixes
In this article, we’ve touched upon some prefixes and suffixes. Here are additional examples:

PREFIXES
  • semi-  (semicircle, semi-detached)
  • multi-  (multitask, multicultural)
  • poly-  (polyglot, polygon)
  • hyper-  (hyperactive, hypersensitive)
  • super-  (superhuman, supernatural)
  • ultra-  (ultrasound, ultramodern)
  • pre-  (preview, preheat)
  • post-  (postpone, postgraduate)
  • re-  (redo, rewrite)
  • fore-  (foresee, forewarn)

SUFFIXES
  •  -ist (artist, scientist)
  •  -ian (musician, historian)
  •  -ment (enjoyment, deployment)
  •  -ship (leadership, friendship)
  •  -hood (childhood, neighbourhood)
  •  -ous (dangerous, infamous)
  •  -ful (forgetful, wonderful)
  •  -less (fearless, careless)
  •  -ify (classify, simplify)
  •  -ate (activate, dominate)

Exploring "-ologist" Vocabulary
Exploring common suffixes can enhance your understanding. Today, we focus on the suffix "-ologist," which refers to someone who studies a particular field of science:

  • - Biologist
  • - Embryologist
  • - Geologist
  • - Gynaecologist
  • - Myologist
  • - Neurologist
  • - Oncologist
  • - Urologist
  • - Virologist

Take a moment to decipher these words. Begin with the recognisable suffix "-ologist," then examine the prefix. For instance, "neuro-" pertains to the brain, so a "neurologist" is a specialist in brain science.


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Compound Words
Word formation extends beyond prefixes and suffixes; it also encompasses compound words, where two words merge to create a new term. Here are a few examples:

  • - Whiteboard (a board that is white)
  • - Bookshelf (a shelf for books)
  • - Website (a site on the web)
  • - Shopkeeper (a keeper of a shop)
  • - Car park (a place to park a car)
  • - Bathroom (a room with a bath in it)
  • - Windscreen (a screen to shield from the wind)

Recognising these words and their origins can enhance your understanding of unfamiliar terms.


Shortened Word Forms
Examples of shortened forms include:
  • Phone (telephone)
  • Site (website)
  • Photo (photograph)
  • Veggie (vegetable)
  • Advert / ad (advertisement)
  • Info (information)
  • Intro (introduction)
  • App (application)

It’s worth noting that these shortened forms are commonly used in spoken English and will feature in the IELTS speaking section, while the full forms are more prevalent in the reading and writing sections.
In conclusion, understanding word formation is invaluable for IELTS preparation. It not only enriches your vocabulary but also enhances your comprehension and ability to express yourself more naturally.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. Please feel free to visit us and "take a trial lesson", it is only £5.00!

See you again soon, Godspeed!



 



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