Final answer:
The word 'persistent' consists of the root word 'persist' and the suffix '-ent', and does not have a prefix. The suffix '-ent' creates an adjective from the verb, indicating the quality of persisting. Understanding the components of words helps in analyzing and building new words.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Word 'Persistent'
The word persistent is made up of a root word, and a suffix, and it can be broken down as follows:
- Root word: Persist - this holds the core meaning of continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition.
- Suffix: -ent - this turns the verb persist into an adjective meaning having the quality of persisting.
- Prefix: This word does not have a prefix.
Additionally, when breaking down complex words, it's important to understand how prefixes, bases, and suffixes combine to form new meanings. For example:
- dis + gest + ion (digestion)
- spirit + ual (spiritual)
- question + er (questioner)
- act + ual + ly (actually)
- ad + vent + ure + ous (adventurous)
- script + ure + al (scriptural)
- liter + ate + ure (literature)
In the case of persistent, one observes that the suffix -ent produces the final c sound through the process of palatalization. The suffix -ion is an example of a common ending that can transform a verb into a noun, indicating the action or result of the verb. Suffixes like -ness, -ity, and -ment are also commonly used to form nouns from adjectives and verbs, adding the meaning of a state, quality, or act, respectively, to the root.