Exploring the World of Decorate: A Study of Its Roots and Affixes
Decorate, a familiar word that we encounter on a regular basis, refers to the process of enhancing or embellishing something's visual appeal. But, have you ever wondered about the origin and structure of this word? In this article, we take a closer look at the roots and affixes of the word decorate.
Roots of Decorate:
The word decorate can be traced back to the Latin word decoratus, which means \"to adorn\" or \"beautify.\" In turn, this Latin word is derived from another Latin term, decus, which denotes \"honor,\" \"glory,\" or \"prestige.\" These roots give us a better understanding of the connotations associated with decorating- it is a process that enhances the beauty and prestige of something.
Prefixes in Decorate:
Prefixes add an additional meaning or nuance to a word. Two common prefixes that we can find in the word decorate are \"de\" and \"re.\"The prefix \"de\" is derived from Latin and means \"down\" or \"away.\" The prefix \"de\" in decorate, therefore, suggests the notion of taking something down to its bare essentials before beginning the process of adornment. For instance, a decorator may remove all the previous decor from a room before starting anew.The prefix \"re,\" on the other hand, comes from Latin and means \"again\" or \"back.\" In decorate, the prefix \"re\" could imply \"to do something over again\", as in redecorate.
Suffixes in Decorate:
The suffixes in decorate are an important part of its structure. In particular, the suffix \"-ate\" can be found in decorate. This suffix denotes an action or process, which is appropriate for the verb decorate.Additionally, the suffix \"-ion\" is also important as it changes the verb decorate into the noun decoration. This suffix indicates that the action of decorating has been completed and turned into a tangible noun.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, exploring the roots and affixes of the word decorate provides us with a deeper understanding of its meaning and connotations. The Latin roots of decorate signify that the process of decorating enhances beauty and prestige. Meanwhile, the affixes \"de\" and \"re\" suggest that decorating involves taking something back to its essential form and redoing the decor. Lastly, the suffixes \"-ate\" and \"-ion\" give us insight into the grammatical structure of the word. Understanding the roots and affixes of decorate can help us create better and more nuanced writing, and a more refined understanding of the word's history and meaning.
