Learn It Part 2

Word parts

Another strategy in determining the meaning of unfamiliar words is to look at the word parts -- the root word and affixes -- which include prefixes and suffixes.

Before we begin, let’s look at the title of this module, which is named after a historical period first:

The Progressive Era? What does that mean?

By using the word parts strategy, you can determine the meaning of the words.

dictionary entry for the word progressive

Looking at the word parts is another strategy to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Progressive = progress (advance to the better) + ive (tending to have)

Therefore, the phrase Progressive Era means a time period characterized by making improvements.