Root Word Clues worksheet for educational use, helping students understand word meanings through root words.

Let's solve the "Root Word Clues" worksheet step by step. The goal is to identify the root word in each given word and explain its meaning.

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🔍 What are root words?

A root word is the base part of a word that carries the core meaning. Prefixes (added at the beginning) and suffixes (added at the end) can be added to change or expand the meaning.

For example:
- disconnection:
- Whole word: *disconnection*
- Root word: *connect*
- Meaning: *to join or attach*

Now, let’s go through each word:

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1. jewelry

- Root word: *jewel*
- Meaning of root word: A precious stone or ornament worn for decoration

> *Note:* "Jewelry" comes from "jewel," with the suffix "-ry" indicating a collection or group (like "surgery" from "surgeon").

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2. unlikable

- Root word: *like*
- Meaning of root word: To feel affection or approval for someone or something

> *Breakdown*:
> - *un-* = not
> - *like* = to enjoy/approve
> - *-able* = capable of being
> So, "unlikable" means "not capable of being liked"

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3. description

- Root word: *scribe* (from Latin *scribere*, meaning "to write")
- Meaning of root word: To write or record

> *Note:* "Description" comes from *de-* (down) + *script* (write), meaning "to write down."
> So, *describe* = to write down what something is like.

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4. reaction

- Root word: *act*
- Meaning of root word: To do or perform an action

> *Breakdown*:
> - *re-* = again/back
> - *act* = to do
> So, *reaction* = a response or action back

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5. wonderment

- Root word: *wonder*
- Meaning of root word: A feeling of surprise or amazement

> *Breakdown*:
> - *wonder* = to feel amazed
> - *-ment* = state or condition
> So, *wonderment* = the state of being amazed

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6. government

- Root word: *govern*
- Meaning of root word: To rule or manage

> *Breakdown*:
> - *govern* = to control or direct
> - *-ment* = process or result
> So, *government* = the act or system of governing

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7. courageous

- Root word: *courage*
- Meaning of root word: Bravery or strength in facing danger

> *Breakdown*:
> - *courage* = bravery
> - *-ous* = full of
> So, *courageous* = full of courage

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8. terrify

- Root word: *terror*
- Meaning of root word: Extreme fear or dread

> *Breakdown*:
> - *terro-* = fear (from Latin *terror*)
> - *-fy* = to make
> So, *terrify* = to make terrified

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9. sincerity

- Root word: *sincere*
- Meaning of root word: Genuine or honest

> *Breakdown*:
> - *sincere* = honest, truthful
> - *-ity* = quality or state
> So, *sincerity* = the quality of being sincere

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10. development

- Root word: *develop*
- Meaning of root word: To grow or unfold

> *Breakdown*:
> - *de-* = away/from
> - *velop* = to cover (from Latin *volvare*, to roll)
> So, *develop* = to unfold or grow out from a covered state
> *Development* = the process of growing or progressing

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✔ Final Answer Table:

| Whole word | Root word | Meaning of root word |
|----------------|--------------|-------------------------------------------|
| 1. jewelry | jewel | A precious stone or ornament |
| 2. unlikable | like | To feel affection or approval |
| 3. description | scribe | To write or record |
| 4. reaction | act | To do or perform an action |
| 5. wonderment | wonder | A feeling of surprise or amazement |
| 6. government | govern | To rule or manage |
| 7. courageous | courage | Bravery or strength in facing danger |
| 8. terrify | terror | Extreme fear or dread |
| 9. sincerity | sincere | Genuine or honest |
| 10. development| develop | To grow or unfold |

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✔ Tips for students:
- Look for common prefixes (*un-, re-, dis-*) and suffixes (*-tion, -able, -ment*).
- Think about what the word would be without the prefix/suffix.
- Use context clues — if you know the meaning of the root, you can guess the whole word!

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