Lesson 3
Name
Date
Base Word Families, Suffixes -merit, -able, -ful
A base word can take many different forms when different
prefixes, suffixes, and roots are added. When you know the
meaning of the base word, you can begin to find the meanings of the
words in the base word family.
• The suffix -ment means "an action or process, or the result of an
action or process." The suffix usually forms nouns as in government.
• The suffix -able means "capable, having, or worthy of." Reliable means
"one capable of being relied upon."
• The suffix -ful means "full of." Beautiful means "full of beauty."
The following words are followed by their base
words. Write three more words with the same base
word. Use the suffix listed in one of the derivatives.
Use a dictionary if you need help.
1. discovered (-able)
Base word: cover
2. agreed (-ment)
Base word: agree
3. entrusted (-ful)
Base word: trust
4. meaning (-ful)
Base word: mean
Skills Practice 1 • Word Structure
UNIT 3 • Lesson 3
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