Describe the difference between related words

key notes :

Definition of Related Words:

• Related words are words that are connected by meaning but differ in their usage, form, or specific context. They may come from the same root word or have similar meanings.

Examples of Related Words:

• Happy and Happiness: “Happy” is an adjective that describes a feeling, while “happiness” is a noun that refers to the state of being happy.
• Run and Runner: “Run” is a verb meaning to move quickly on foot, while “runner” is a noun referring to someone who runs.

Understanding Prefixes and Suffixes:

• Related words often share a common root but differ by prefixes (added to the beginning) or suffixes (added to the end). For example:
  • Unhappy (not happy) and Happiness (the state of being happy).
  • Careful (showing care) and Carelessness (the state of not being careful).

Comparing Meanings:

• It’s important to look at how the meanings of related words differ:
  • Light and Lighter: “Light” can mean not heavy or bright, while “lighter” is a comparative form that indicates something weighs less than something else.

Using Related Words in Sentences:

• Practice using related words in sentences to show their differences. For example:
  • “The teacher explained the lesson carefully.” (Noun)
  • “The teacher’s explanation was clear.” (Possessive noun)

Context Matters:

• The context in which a word is used can change its meaning. For example, “bank” can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river.

Let’s practice!