What process involves using parts of words to understand the meanings of unfamiliar words?

The process that involves using parts of words to understand the meanings of unfamiliar words is known as structural analysis. This technique enables individuals to break down complex words into their constituent parts, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words, allowing for a deeper understanding of the word's meaning based on its components. For example, in the word "unhappiness," one can identify the prefix "un-" (meaning 'not'), the root word "happy," and the suffix "-ness" (indicating a state or condition). By analyzing these parts, a learner can infer that "unhappiness" refers to the state of not being happy.

Understanding structural analysis is critical, especially for students with language processing difficulties, as it empowers them to decode new vocabulary independently. This method supports vocabulary acquisition and comprehension, crucial skills in both academic and everyday contexts.

Other options, while related to understanding language, do not focus specifically on the breakdown of word parts. For instance, context clues involve using surrounding text to infer meanings, while phrasal analysis focuses on examining phrases rather than individual word structures. Lexical analysis refers broadly to the study of words and their meanings but does not specifically address the technique of deconstructing words into their parts for understanding.