Use the example word to separate repeated spellings with different meanings.
9 targets with matrices3 core roots revisited12 mastery checks
THE GIST
The idea behind these word parts
The same spelling can carry different prefix meanings. In- means into in inject, but not in inactive.
Go deeper · how the parts work in context
Read the prefix with its whole word. Re- means again in reconstruct, but the class list also includes older intensive uses. Do not force every occurrence into a single definition.
re + con + struct → reconstruct
The class used photographs to reconstruct the old neighborhood’s appearance.
Here reconstruct means piece together an account of how something looked.
Word parts suggest a meaning; the sentence helps confirm it. If the clues are not enough, check a dictionary.
EXPLORE THE WORD PARTS
Meaning, connections, and practice
Choose a word part. Read its gist, explore its map and matrix, then answer its three checks. Open the extra explanation whenever you need it.
How to use a matrix
Leading part + base + ending → word. Choose cells from left to right. Only paths that make one of the listed words are enabled. ∅ means no part is added.
The center can be a root or a whole word. Some cells contain combining forms or grouped endings. Related bases can change spelling, as in scribe/script or mit/miss; follow the spelling notes.
Keep a word for comparison, then select another word to see which parts and meanings changed.
01
con-/com-/co-
together or with
The gist: connect means bind together. The clue con-/com-/co- connects it to together or with.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: together or with. Compare connect (bind together) with cooperate (work together). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
con + struct → construct To build or create something. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Colonial lawmakers helped construct a racial hierarchy by assigning unequal punishments to Black and white servants.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore con-/com-/co- · map, matrix & checks
connectbind together
cooperatework together
Prefix connections map: con-/com-/co-
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
con-/com-/co-together or with
con + nect
Bind together.
co + operate
Work together.
con + structverb
To build or create something.
Colonial lawmakers helped construct a racial hierarchy by assigning unequal punishments to Black and white servants.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with con-/com-/co- 3 word paths
con-/com-/co-: together or with. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
con + nect → connect
Bind together.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
connect: Bind together. construct: To build or create something.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
con + nect
connect
Bind together.
co + operate
cooperate
Work together.
con + struct
construct
To build or create something.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
02
re- (again)
again
The gist: rewrite means write again. The clue re- (again) connects it to again.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: again. Compare rewrite (write again) with rebuild (build again). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
re + build → rebuild To build again after damage or loss. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: After emancipation, formerly enslaved people worked to rebuild their lives under difficult economic conditions.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore re- (again) · map, matrix & checks
rewritewrite again
rebuildbuild again
Prefix connections map: re- (again)
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
re- (again)again
re + write
Write again.
re + buildverb
To build again after damage or loss.
After emancipation, formerly enslaved people worked to rebuild their lives under difficult economic conditions.
re + con + structverb
To build again or piece together an account of the past.
Takaki uses different groups’ experiences to reconstruct a fuller account of American history.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with re- (again) 3 word paths
re- (again): again. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
re + write → rewrite
Write again.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
rewrite: Write again. reconstruct: To build again or piece together an account of the past.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
re + write
rewrite
Write again.
re + build
rebuild
To build again after damage or loss.
re + con + struct
reconstruct
To build again or piece together an account of the past.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
03
re- (intensive)
thoroughly or completely
The gist: research means search closely or thoroughly. The clue re- (intensive) connects it to thoroughly or completely.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: thoroughly or completely. Compare research (search closely or thoroughly) with replete (completely filled). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
re + search → research Search closely or thoroughly.
Meaning & spelling: This older intensifying sense is less productive than re- meaning “again.” Learn it through whole words.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore re- (intensive) · map, matrix & checks
researchsearch closely or thoroughly
repletecompletely filled
Prefix connections map: re- (intensive)
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
re- (intensive)thoroughly or completely
re + search
Search closely or thoroughly.
re + plete
Completely filled.
re + splend + entadjective
Shining brilliantly; the old re- strengthens the sense.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with re- (intensive) 3 word paths
re- (intensive): thoroughly or completely. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
re + search → research
Search closely or thoroughly.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
research: Search closely or thoroughly. resplendent: Shining brilliantly; the old re- strengthens the sense.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
re + search
research
Search closely or thoroughly.
re + plete
replete
Completely filled.
re + splend + ent
resplendent
Shining brilliantly; the old re- strengthens the sense.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
04
in- (in)
in or into
The gist: inhale means breathe in. The clue in- (in) connects it to in or into.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: in or into. Compare inhale (breathe in) with inject (put in). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
in + ject → inject To put something into a larger body or situation. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Workers could inject new strength into a strike by joining across ethnic lines.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore in- (in) · map, matrix & checks
inhalebreathe in
injectput in
Prefix connections map: in- (in)
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
in- (in)in or into
in + hale
Breathe in.
in + jectverb
To put something into a larger body or situation.
Workers could inject new strength into a strike by joining across ethnic lines.
in + flownoun
A flow into a place.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with in- (in) 3 word paths
in- (in): in or into. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
in + hale → inhale
Breathe in.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
inhale: Breathe in. inflow: A flow into a place.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
in + hale
inhale
Breathe in.
in + ject
inject
To put something into a larger body or situation.
in + flow
inflow
A flow into a place.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
05
in- (on)
on or upon
The gist: imprint means press a mark on. The clue in- (on) connects it to on or upon.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: on or upon. Compare imprint (press a mark on) with impose (put on or upon). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
im + pose → impose To force a rule or burden onto others. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Colonizers could impose restrictions that excluded Irish people from property and public office.
Meaning & spelling: Before p, in- commonly changes to im-.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore in- (on) · map, matrix & checks
imprintpress a mark on
imposeput on or upon
Prefix connections map: in- (on)
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
in- (on)on or upon
im + print
Press a mark on.
im + poseverb
To force a rule or burden onto others.
Colonizers could impose restrictions that excluded Irish people from property and public office.
im + press + ionnoun
An idea or feeling formed about someone or something.
A treaty could create an impression of consent even when most Cherokee people opposed it.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with in- (on) 3 word paths
in- (on): on or upon. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
im + print → imprint
Press a mark on.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
imprint: Press a mark on. impression: An idea or feeling formed about someone or something.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
im + print
imprint
Press a mark on.
im + pose
impose
To force a rule or burden onto others.
im + press + ion
impression
An idea or feeling formed about someone or something.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
06
in- (not)
not
The gist: inactive means not active. The clue in- (not) connects it to not.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: not. Compare inactive (not active) with invisible (not visible). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
in + act + ive → inactive Not taking part or not currently doing anything. It works as a adjective in this example.
In a sentence: The garment workers refused to remain inactive while unsafe conditions continued.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore in- (not) · map, matrix & checks
inactivenot active
invisiblenot visible
Prefix connections map: in- (not)
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
in- (not)not
in + act + iveadjective
Not taking part or not currently doing anything.
The garment workers refused to remain inactive while unsafe conditions continued.
in + visible
Not visible.
in + cred + ibleadjective
Very difficult to believe or remarkably surprising.
The speed of the loss of Native land seems incredible until we examine how allotment worked.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with in- (not) 3 word paths
in- (not): not. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
in + act + ive → inactive
Not taking part or not currently doing anything.
adjective
The garment workers refused to remain inactive while unsafe conditions continued.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
inactive: Not taking part or not currently doing anything. incredible: Very difficult to believe or remarkably surprising.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
in + act + ive
inactive
Not taking part or not currently doing anything.
in + visible
invisible
Not visible.
in + cred + ible
incredible
Very difficult to believe or remarkably surprising.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
07
per- (intensive)
thoroughly or completely
The gist: perfect means completely made or done. The clue per- (intensive) connects it to thoroughly or completely.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: thoroughly or completely. Compare perfect (completely made or done) with perplex (thoroughly tangled or confused). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
per + fect → perfect Complete or without faults under a stated standard. It works as a adjective in this example.
In a sentence: Legal freedom did not create a perfect equality when freedpeople remained trapped in debt.
Meaning & spelling: This older intensifying sense is best learned through its example words.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore per- (intensive) · map, matrix & checks
perfectcompletely made or done
perplexthoroughly tangled or confused
Prefix connections map: per- (intensive)
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
per- (intensive)thoroughly or completely
per + fectadjective
Complete or without faults under a stated standard.
Legal freedom did not create a perfect equality when freedpeople remained trapped in debt.
per + plex
Thoroughly tangled or confused.
per + fect + lyadverb
Completely or without a flaw.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with per- (intensive) 3 word paths
per- (intensive): thoroughly or completely. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
per + fect → perfect
Complete or without faults under a stated standard.
adjective
Legal freedom did not create a perfect equality when freedpeople remained trapped in debt.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
perfect: Complete or without faults under a stated standard. perfectly: Completely or without a flaw.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
per + fect
perfect
Complete or without faults under a stated standard.
per + plex
perplex
Thoroughly tangled or confused.
per + fect + ly
perfectly
Completely or without a flaw.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
08
per- (through)
through
The gist: perforate means make a hole through. The clue per- (through) connects it to through.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: through. Compare perforate (make a hole through) with permeate (spread through). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
per + forate → perforate Make a hole through.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore per- (through) · map, matrix & checks
perforatemake a hole through
permeatespread through
Prefix connections map: per- (through)
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
per- (through)through
per + forate
Make a hole through.
per + meate
Spread through.
per + me + ableadjective
Allowing something to pass through.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with per- (through) 3 word paths
per- (through): through. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
per + forate → perforate
Make a hole through.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
perforate: Make a hole through. permeable: Allowing something to pass through.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
per + forate
perforate
Make a hole through.
per + meate
permeate
Spread through.
per + me + able
permeable
Allowing something to pass through.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
09
en-/em-
in or into
The gist: enclose means put within. The clue en-/em- connects it to in or into.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: in or into. Compare enclose (put within) with embed (put into surrounding material). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
en + act → enact To make a proposal into law. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Congress could enact civil rights protections, but passing a law did not eliminate every economic barrier.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore en-/em- · map, matrix & checks
encloseput within
embedput into surrounding material
Prefix connections map: en-/em-
Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
en-/em-in or into
en + close
Put within.
em + bed
Put into surrounding material.
en + actverb
To make a proposal into law.
Congress could enact civil rights protections, but passing a law did not eliminate every economic barrier.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with en-/em- 3 word paths
en-/em-: in or into. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
en + close → enclose
Put within.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
enclose: Put within. enact: To make a proposal into law.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
en + close
enclose
Put within.
em + bed
embed
Put into surrounding material.
en + act
enact
To make a proposal into law.
Check your understanding
Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.
0 of 3 answered correctly
DECODE · FOLLOW THE CLUES
Use the clue without overtrusting it
A word part gives you a strong clue—not always a complete definition.
Spot the part.Underline the exact letters you recognize.
Recall the clue.Say the meaning you learned for that part.
Test the whole word.Combine the clue with the other parts and the sentence.
Decode cooperate
Spot cooperate. The leading word part con-/com-/co- carries the clue together or with. Here, it helps you understand: work together.
Decode rebuild
Spot rebuild. The leading word part re- (again) carries the clue again. Here, it helps you understand: build again.
Decode replete
Spot replete. The leading word part re- (intensive) carries the clue thoroughly or completely. Here, it helps you understand: completely filled.
Compare the meanings, then test which form fits the sentence.
inject
put something into
inactive
not active
Explain the difference
Both begin with in-, but the meanings differ: into in inject, not in inactive. Let the complete word determine the sense.
A common mistake—and how to avoid it
Re- does not always mean again: the class list includes an intensive historical sense. Research is not simply search again in every context. Check the complete definition.
REVIEW · BRING ROOTS BACK
Keep these roots working
Before opening each matrix, recall the root’s meaning. Build the review words, then explain the whole word. These core roots return in later lessons with new word forms.
Some review words use today’s affixes; others bring back an earlier pattern. Not every affix can attach to every root.
mit / miss: send. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.
Prefix / leading part
Root or whole base
Suffix / ending
ad + mit → admit
To allow someone to enter or participate.
verb
The Brown ruling required public schools to admit students without racial segregation, but full integration took years.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
admit: To allow someone to enter or participate. admission: Permission to enter or join.
Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.
Read every word sum and meaning
Word sum
Word
Meaning
ad + mit
admit
To allow someone to enter or participate.
com + mit
commit
To pledge oneself to an action or cause.
com + mit + ment
commitment
A pledge or sustained dedication to something.
ad + miss + ion
admission
Permission to enter or join.
Use it: Write one sentence about history using a review word. Underline its root, circle its affixes, and explain why that word fits your sentence.
QUICK QUIZ · RECALL & APPLY
Recall the parts. Apply the pattern.
Check every target, then complete three applied questions. If you miss one, revisit its matrix and try again. Finish with the new-word challenge below.
CHECK IN CONTEXT
Make sense of a new word
Use both the word parts and the sentence. Open a hint if you need a starting point.
The leader refused every proposed change. That inflexibility prevented a compromise.
Expand your thinking · explain it or use itCheck your sentence
Does the word’s established meaning fit your idea?
Does its form fit the grammar of your sentence?
Can you identify a meaningful part and explain its contribution?
These optional notes are not saved, graded, or submitted.
COME BACK · RETRIEVE IT AGAIN
Remember after a break
Return in two days, then about a week later. Before opening the notes, recall a meaning, rebuild two words, and use one in a new sentence.
Start with con-/com-/co-. What does it mean? Which two words connect to it?
Check after you recall
con-/com-/co-: together or with. For example: connect and cooperate. Explain how each connects to the meaning.
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