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root word

[/ruːt wɜːrd/]
nounpl: root words
palavra raiz
1. A word or word element from which other words are formed, typically by the addition of affixes; the base form of a word.
The root word of 'unhappily' is 'happy'.
A palavra raiz de 'infelizmente' é 'feliz'.
2. In linguistics, the smallest meaningful unit of a word that cannot be further reduced without loss of meaning.
Understanding root words helps students expand their vocabulary.
Compreender palavras raiz ajuda os alunos a expandir seu vocabulário.
Synonyms
base wordstemradicaletymon

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
palavra raiz
Standard term used in educational and linguistic contexts
Portugal
palavra raiz
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; sometimes 'raiz' alone in technical contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

get to the root of something
root and branch
take root
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