Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What is the term for the part of the word added to the end of a root to form a new word?

1. Prefix

2. Root

3. Syllable

4. Suffix

The correct answer is: Suffix

The term that refers to the part of a word added at the end of a root to create a new word is known as a suffix. In linguistic terms, a suffix is a morpheme that is attached to the end of a root or base word to modify its meaning or function, thereby forming a new word. For example, when the suffix "-ing" is added to the root word "run," it creates the new word "running." Suffixes can change the grammatical role of the root, affecting aspects such as tense, number, or formality. Understanding the use of suffixes is essential in medical terminology, which is crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant, as many medical terms incorporate these elements to convey specific meanings. Recognizing this concept can help distinguish suffixes from other word components. Prefixes, for example, are added to the beginning of a root, while syllables refer to phonetic divisions of a word rather than its morphological structure. Therefore, the identification of a suffix as the correct answer reflects an understanding of how word formation works in the English language, particularly in contexts where precise language is important, such as healthcare.