Use core meanings for action, form, movement, carrying, and seeing.
8 targets with matricesBuild, compare, and explain11 mastery checks
THE GIST
The idea behind these word parts
A root carries a core idea into a group of related words. In transport, port contributes carry and trans- contributes across.
Go deeper · how the parts work in context
Transport means move people or goods from one place to another. The root carries a shared meaning; the other parts help specify what kind of carrying is involved. Import and export keep port but change the direction.
trans + port → transport
Railroads transport people and goods between cities.
Here transport is a verb: move people or goods from one place to another.
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
act
do
The gist: action means something done. The clue act connects it to do.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: do. Compare action (something done) with react (act in response). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
act → act To do something rather than remain passive. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Workers could act together by withholding their labor during a strike.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore act · map, matrix & checks
actionsomething done
reactact in response
Word-family cluster map: act
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
actdo
actverb
To do something rather than remain passive.
Workers could act together by withholding their labor during a strike.
act + ionnoun
Something done to achieve an aim.
Collective action allowed garment workers to put pressure on factory owners.
act + iveadjective
Taking part or doing something.
Young women were active participants in the garment strike.
act + ive + lyadverb
By taking deliberate action or participating.
Garment workers actively challenged conditions inside their factories.
act + ive + ismnoun
Organized effort to bring about political or social change.
Student activism helped challenge segregation at lunch counters.
Drop the final silent e before the vowel suffix: active + ism → activism.
act + ive + istnoun
A person who works deliberately for political or social change.
A student activist could turn a demand for equal rights into a public challenge to segregation.
Drop the final silent e before the vowel suffix: active + ist → activist.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with act 6 word paths
act: do. 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
act → act
To do something rather than remain passive.
verb
Workers could act together by withholding their labor during a strike.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
act: To do something rather than remain passive. activist: A person who works deliberately for political or social change.
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
act
act
To do something rather than remain passive.
act + ion
action
Something done to achieve an aim.
act + ive
active
Taking part or doing something.
act + ive + ly
actively
By taking deliberate action or participating.
act + ive + ism
activism
Organized effort to bring about political or social change.
act + ive + ist
activist
A person who works deliberately for political or social change.
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
ag/ig
drive or do
The gist: agent means a person who does a job. The clue ag/ig connects it to drive or do.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: drive or do. Compare agent (a person who does a job) with agenda (things to be done). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
ag + ent → agent A person who acts for someone else. It works as a noun in this example.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore ag/ig · map, matrix & checks
agenta person who does a job
agendathings to be done
Word-family cluster map: ag/ig
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
ag/igdrive or do
ag + entnoun
A person who acts for someone else.
ag + encynoun
The ability to act and make choices.
ag + itateverb
To stir up or push for change.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with ag/ig 3 word paths
ag/ig: drive or do. 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
ag + ent → agent
A person who acts for someone else.
noun
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
agent: A person who acts for someone else. agitate: To stir up or push for change.
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
ag + ent
agent
A person who acts for someone else.
ag + ency
agency
The ability to act and make choices.
ag + itate
agitate
To stir up or push for change.
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
form
shape
The gist: transform means change shape. The clue form connects it to shape.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: shape. Compare transform (change shape) with uniform (having one form). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
form → form To create or bring something into existence. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Black and white workers did not automatically form a united movement against employers.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore form · map, matrix & checks
transformchange shape
uniformhaving one form
Word-family cluster map: form
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
formshape
formverb
To create or bring something into existence.
Black and white workers did not automatically form a united movement against employers.
re + formverb
To change a practice or institution in order to improve it.
Civil rights activists sought to reform laws that protected unequal treatment.
re + form + ernoun
A person who works to improve laws or institutions.
A reformer could promise Native independence while supporting allotment that reduced Native control of land.
trans + form + ationnoun
A major change in form, character, or organization.
The transformation of Native land into individual allotments opened land to outside ownership.
trans + formverb
To change something substantially.
Northern factory jobs could transform migrants’ incomes without ending racial exclusion.
con + formverb
To behave according to an accepted rule or expectation.
Schools pressured immigrant children to conform to dominant American expectations.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with form 6 word paths
form: shape. 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
form → form
To create or bring something into existence.
verb
Black and white workers did not automatically form a united movement against employers.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
form: To create or bring something into existence. conform: To behave according to an accepted rule or expectation.
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
form
form
To create or bring something into existence.
re + form
reform
To change a practice or institution in order to improve it.
re + form + er
reformer
A person who works to improve laws or institutions.
trans + form + ation
transformation
A major change in form, character, or organization.
trans + form
transform
To change something substantially.
con + form
conform
To behave according to an accepted rule or expectation.
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
port
carry
The gist: transport means carry across. The clue port connects it to carry.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: carry. Compare transport (carry across) with portable (easy to carry). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
trans + port → transport To carry people or goods from one place to another. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Railroads helped transport Mexican workers north toward jobs in the United States.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore port · map, matrix & checks
transportcarry across
portableeasy to carry
Word-family cluster map: port
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
portcarry
trans + portverb
To carry people or goods from one place to another.
Railroads helped transport Mexican workers north toward jobs in the United States.
trans + port + ationnoun
The movement of people or goods between places.
Rail transportation accelerated migration from Mexico to the United States.
im + portverb
To bring goods into a country from another country.
US trade policy made it easier for Mexico to import subsidized American corn.
ex + portverb
To send goods to another country for sale.
Landlords continued to export food from Ireland while many Irish people faced famine.
ex + port + ationnoun
The sending of goods abroad for sale.
Food exportation during the Irish famine revealed whose interests controlled the use of the land.
de + portverb
To remove someone from a country through government action.
During the Depression, officials moved to deport Mexicans as public hostility toward them grew.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with port 6 word paths
port: carry. 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
trans + port → transport
To carry people or goods from one place to another.
verb
Railroads helped transport Mexican workers north toward jobs in the United States.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
transport: To carry people or goods from one place to another. deport: To remove someone from a country through government action.
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
trans + port
transport
To carry people or goods from one place to another.
trans + port + ation
transportation
The movement of people or goods between places.
im + port
import
To bring goods into a country from another country.
ex + port
export
To send goods to another country for sale.
ex + port + ation
exportation
The sending of goods abroad for sale.
de + port
deport
To remove someone from a country through government action.
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
fer
carry or bring
The gist: transfer means carry across. The clue fer connects it to carry or bring.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: carry or bring. Compare transfer (carry across) with confer (bring ideas together in discussion). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
trans + fer → transfer To move something from one owner, place, or person to another. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: Legal costs could help transfer land from Mexican owners to Anglo buyers.
Meaning & spelling: The meaning in confer is historical, so use con- + fer as a clue rather than a complete definition.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore fer · map, matrix & checks
transfercarry across
conferbring ideas together in discussion
Word-family cluster map: fer
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
fercarry or bring
trans + ferverb
To move something from one owner, place, or person to another.
Legal costs could help transfer land from Mexican owners to Anglo buyers.
trans + fer + ableadjective
Able to be moved or passed to someone else.
Treating land as transferable property made changes in ownership central to the struggle over resources.
re + ferverb
To direct attention to a source or subject.
We can refer to the unequal sentences when explaining how racial hierarchy developed in law.
re + fer + alnoun
The act of directing someone or something to another authority or source.
A referral to the reader’s evidence helps test an interpretation of the court’s decision.
The final r doubles before -al: refer + al → referral.
in + ferverb
To reach a reasonable conclusion from evidence.
We can infer that debt weakened landowners’ independence when they had to sell land to pay legal costs.
in + fer + encenoun
A conclusion drawn from evidence rather than stated directly.
The inference that credit could become a tool of dispossession follows from the legal costs and forced sales.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with fer 6 word paths
fer: carry or bring. 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
trans + fer → transfer
To move something from one owner, place, or person to another.
verb
Legal costs could help transfer land from Mexican owners to Anglo buyers.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
transfer: To move something from one owner, place, or person to another. inference: A conclusion drawn from evidence rather than stated directly.
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
trans + fer
transfer
To move something from one owner, place, or person to another.
trans + fer + able
transferable
Able to be moved or passed to someone else.
re + fer
refer
To direct attention to a source or subject.
re + fer + al
referral
The act of directing someone or something to another authority or source.
in + fer
infer
To reach a reasonable conclusion from evidence.
in + fer + ence
inference
A conclusion drawn from evidence rather than stated directly.
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
spect/spic
look or see
The gist: inspect means look into carefully. The clue spect/spic connects it to look or see.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: look or see. Compare inspect (look into carefully) with spectator (a person who watches). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
in + spect → inspect To look closely at something in order to examine it. It works as a verb in this example.
In a sentence: We can inspect the punishments given to John Punch and the white runaways for evidence of unequal treatment.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore spect/spic · map, matrix & checks
inspectlook into carefully
spectatora person who watches
Word-family cluster map: spect/spic
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
spect/spiclook or see
in + spectverb
To look closely at something in order to examine it.
We can inspect the punishments given to John Punch and the white runaways for evidence of unequal treatment.
in + spect + ionnoun
A close examination.
An inspection of the sentences reveals that the same escape produced different legal futures.
in + spect + ornoun
A person whose job is to examine conditions or enforce standards.
An inspector would need to examine factory conditions to judge whether workers were safe.
re + spectverb
To recognize someone’s worth, rights, or legitimate claims.
Jefferson claimed that the government would respect Native land rights while planning to use debt to obtain land.
re + spect + fuladjective
Showing consideration for someone’s dignity or rights.
Respectful words did not guarantee respectful treatment of Native land claims.
dis + re + spectnoun
A failure to recognize someone’s dignity or rights.
The refusal to honor Native land claims showed disrespect for Native ownership.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with spect/spic 6 word paths
spect/spic: look or see. 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 + spect → inspect
To look closely at something in order to examine it.
verb
We can inspect the punishments given to John Punch and the white runaways for evidence of unequal treatment.
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
inspect: To look closely at something in order to examine it. disrespect: A failure to recognize someone’s dignity or rights.
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 + spect
inspect
To look closely at something in order to examine it.
in + spect + ion
inspection
A close examination.
in + spect + or
inspector
A person whose job is to examine conditions or enforce standards.
re + spect
respect
To recognize someone’s worth, rights, or legitimate claims.
re + spect + ful
respectful
Showing consideration for someone’s dignity or rights.
dis + re + spect
disrespect
A failure to recognize someone’s dignity or rights.
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
vis/vid
see
The gist: visible means able to be seen. The clue vis/vid connects it to see.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: see. Compare visible (able to be seen) with video (something viewed or seen). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
vis + ible → visible Able to be seen. It works as a adjective in this example.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore vis/vid · map, matrix & checks
visibleable to be seen
videosomething viewed or seen
Word-family cluster map: vis/vid
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
vis/vidsee
vis + ibleadjective
Able to be seen.
in + vis + ibleadjective
Not able to be seen.
vis + ible + itynoun
The condition of being easy to see.
Before -ity, -ible takes the form -ibil-: visible + ity → visibility.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with vis/vid 3 word paths
vis/vid: see. 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
vis + ible → visible
Able to be seen.
adjective
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
visible: Able to be seen. visibility: The condition of being easy to see.
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
vis + ible
visible
Able to be seen.
in + vis + ible
invisible
Not able to be seen.
vis + ible + ity
visibility
The condition of being easy to see.
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
morph
shape
The gist: metamorphosis means a change of shape. The clue morph connects it to shape.
Why it works · examples & details
The shared clue is the core meaning: shape. Compare metamorphosis (a change of shape) with amorphous (without a clear shape). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.
a + morph + ous → amorphous Without a clear shape. It works as a adjective in this example.
The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.
Explore morph · map, matrix & checks
metamorphosisa change of shape
amorphouswithout a clear shape
Word-family cluster map: morph
Follow one root into related words. Read each connection and explain how the shared meaning develops. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.
Read the family first.
morphshape
a + morph + ousadjective
Without a clear shape.
morph + ologynoun
The study of forms, including word forms.
morph + olog + icaladjective
Related to the structure or form of something.
Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”
Build with morph 3 word paths
morph: shape. 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
a + morph + ous → amorphous
Without a clear shape.
adjective
What changed?
Starting word
Selected word
Compare two paths
amorphous: Without a clear shape. morphological: Related to the structure or form of 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
a + morph + ous
amorphous
Without a clear shape.
morph + ology
morphology
The study of forms, including word forms.
morph + olog + ical
morphological
Related to the structure or form of 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
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 react
Spot react. The root act carries the clue do. Here, it helps you understand: act in response.
Decode agenda
Spot agenda. The root ag/ig carries the clue drive or do. Here, it helps you understand: things to be done.
Decode uniform
Spot uniform. The root form carries the clue shape. Here, it helps you understand: having one form.
Compare the meanings, then test which form fits the sentence.
import
bring goods into a country
export
send goods out of a country
Explain the difference
Port keeps the carry meaning. Im- points inward here; ex- points outward. The direction changes.
A common mistake—and how to avoid it
A shared string of letters is only a clue. The root port means carry in transport; do not treat every word containing p-o-r-t as the same family without checking its meaning.
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 council discussed the unsafe building but took no steps to repair it. Residents criticized this inaction.
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 act. What does it mean? Which two words connect to it?
Check after you recall
act: do. For example: action and react. Explain how each connects to the meaning.
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