Which term refers to the base word that carries the core meaning?

Which term refers to the base word that carries the core meaning?

• A. Suffix
• B. Infix
• C. Root word
• D. Prefix

Answer: (C)

The base word that carries the core meaning is the root word. In word formation, the root holds the essential idea or action, and other parts are added to shape its meaning or grammatical function. Prefixes attach to the front to add meaning (like negation or time), and suffixes attach to the end to change part of speech or tense. An infix is inserted inside the word, which is not common in everyday English. So the root word is the main piece that stays constant in related words, while prefixes and suffixes modify that core meaning. For example, in think and thinking, the root is think—the central action—while the -ing suffix adds the sense of ongoing activity.

The base word that carries the core meaning is the root word. In word formation, the root holds the essential idea or action, and other parts are added to shape its meaning or grammatical function. Prefixes attach to the front to add meaning (like negation or time), and suffixes attach to the end to change part of speech or tense. An infix is inserted inside the word, which is not common in everyday English. So the root word is the main piece that stays constant in related words, while prefixes and suffixes modify that core meaning. For example, in think and thinking, the root is think—the central action—while the -ing suffix adds the sense of ongoing activity.