English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Words with re-
Words with re-
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the prefix 're-' and identify its primary meanings.
Analyze how the prefix 're-' changes the meaning of a base word.
Identify words containing the prefix 're-' in various texts.
Construct new words by adding 're-' to appropriate base words.
Infer the meaning of unfamiliar words by recognizing the 're-' prefix and its base word.
Utilize words with 're-' accurately in written and spoken communication.
Ever wished you could 'rewind' ⏪ time or 'replay' ⏯️ a favorite moment? What do those words have in common?
In this lesson, we'll explore the powerful prefix 're-', discovering how it can transform the meaning of words and unlock a deeper understanding of En...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA word part added to the beginning of a base word to change its meaning.The 'un-' in 'unhappy' is a prefix that means 'not'.
Base Word (Root Word)The main part of a word that carries its primary meaning and can often stand alone.'Happy' is the base word in 'unhappy'.
Prefix 're-' (meaning 'again')The prefix 're-' often means 'again' or 'anew,' indicating repetition of an action.'Redo' means 'do again'; 'rebuild' means 'build again'.
Prefix 're-' (meaning 'back')The prefix 're-' can also mean 'back' or 'backward,' indicating a return or reversal.'Recall' means '...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Rule of Repetition/Restoration
re- + verb = verb done again
This is the most common meaning. When 're-' is attached to a verb, it often indicates that the action is being performed 'again' or 'anew.' For instance, to 're-read' a book means to read it again.
Rule of Reversal/Return
re- + verb = verb done back/backward
The prefix 're-' can also signify an action of going 'back' or 'backward.' Examples include 'recall' (to call back to mind), 'return' (to turn back), or 'retreat' (to pull back).
Rule of Meaning Preservation
re- + meaningful base word
For 're-' to function as a prefix, the part of the word that follows it must be a standalone base word with its o...
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Challenging
A student claims that the word 'religion' contains the prefix 're-' because it means 'to connect back' to a higher power. Based on the rules from the tutorial, why is this claim likely incorrect for modern English analysis?
A.The claim is correct because 'ligion' means 'to connect'.
B.The claim is incorrect because 're-' can only mean 'again'.
C.The claim is incorrect because 'ligion' is not a standalone, meaningful base word in English.
D.The claim is correct because the etymology supports this meaning.
Challenging
Read the passage: 'The old king, defeated, had to relinquish his throne. He retreated to a remote castle to reflect on his reign.' How does the author's choice of 're-' words contribute to the tone of the passage?
A.They create a tone of hope and renewal, as 're-' always means to do something again.
B.They create a tone of withdrawal and backward movement, emphasizing the king's defeat and loss.
C.They create a confusing tone because 'relinquish' and 'retreat' have opposite meanings.
D.They have no significant effect on the tone; they are just simple action words.
Challenging
What is the key difference between 'reviewing' a chapter and 'revising' an essay?
A.'Reviewing' uses 're-' to mean 'back', while 'revising' uses 're-' to mean 'again'.
B.There is no difference; the words are interchangeable.
C.Both mean 'to look again', but 'revising' implies making changes and improvements, while 'reviewing' can be just a re-examination.
D.'Reviewing' is done before a test, while 'revising' is done after a paper is graded.
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