Key Difference – Base Word vs Root Word
Base words are recognizable words in the English language that cannot be divided into smaller units. Prefixes and suffixes can be added to these words to form new words. There are two theories about root words: some people use the term root word as a synonym for base word, while in other contexts, root words refer to the part of the base word that originates from another language. This article mainly focuses on the second meaning. The key difference between base words and root words is that base words are recognizable words in the English language, whereas root words come from another language.
Key Takeaways
- Base words are recognizable words in the English language that cannot be divided into smaller units.
- Root words can be a synonym for base words or refer to the part of the base word that comes from another language.
- The main difference between base words and root words is that base words are recognizable words in English, whereas root words come from another language.
What is a Base Word?
In the English language, there are words that can be broken down into smaller units and words that cannot be broken down into smaller units. Words that cannot be broken down into smaller units are known as base words. Base words are the base form of a word and give its basic meaning. Prefixes and suffixes can always be added to base words.
What is a Root Word?
In linguistics, the term root word can be used synonymously with base word, referring to a morpheme from which words have been created by the addition of prefixes or suffixes. However, the term root word can also refer to the origin of the word, specifically the part of the base word that comes from another language.
What is the Difference Between Base Word and Root Word?
Base words cannot be further divided and can stand alone, whereas root words often cannot stand alone and come from another language.
Summary – Base Word vs Root Word
Base words and root words are two terms that are sometimes used as synonyms. However, root words can also be defined as parts of the base word that come from another language. This is the difference between base word and root word.
