Let’s go step by step to solve each problem.
We are given a table of prefixes, suffixes, and root words with their meanings. We’ll use that to break down each word into its parts, then write a definition based on those parts.
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1. retractable
Break it down:
- Prefix:
re → means “again”
- Root word:
tract → means “to pull”
- Suffix:
ible → means “capable of being”
So, putting it together:
“capable of being pulled again” → but in real usage, “retractable” usually means something that can be pulled back (like a pen tip or airplane landing gear). The prefix “re-” here implies “back,” not just “again.” In context, “retract” = pull back. So “retractable” = capable of being pulled back.
Definition:
Capable of being pulled back.
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2. submitting
Break it down:
- Prefix:
sub → means “under”
- Root word:
mit → means “to send”
- Suffix:
ing → means “the act of”
So: “the act of sending under” → which in real life means giving in, yielding, or handing over (like submitting homework or submitting to authority).
Definition:
The act of yielding or handing over.
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3. multiplying
Break it down:
- Prefix:
multi → means “many”
- Root word:
ply → means “to fold” (but in math context, “multiply” comes from Latin meaning “to increase many times”)
- Suffix:
ing → “the act of”
In math, “multiplying” means increasing a number by adding it to itself many times — so “the act of making many” or “increasing many times.”
Definition:
The act of increasing a number many times (by repeated addition).
*(Note: Even though “ply” literally means “fold,” in this context we interpret it as part of the math term “multiply.”)*
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4. extraction
Break it down:
- Prefix:
ex → means “out”
- Root word:
tract → means “to pull”
- Suffix:
ion → means “result of”
So: “result of pulling out” → like extracting a tooth, or extracting juice from fruit.
Definition:
The result of pulling something out.
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Final Answer:
1. retractable
re — again
tract — to pull
ible — capable of being
definition: Capable of being pulled back.
2. submitting
sub — under
mit — to send
ing — the act of
definition: The act of yielding or handing over.
3. multiplying
multi — many
ply — to fold (in context: to increase)
ing — the act of
definition: The act of increasing a number many times.
4. extraction
ex — out
tract — to pull
ion — result of
definition: The result of pulling something out.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of prefix suffix worksheet 3rd grade.
