szócsaládot

A szócsalád, known in English as a word family, is a group of words derived from a single root word. These words share a common etymological origin and often retain a semantic connection, though the meanings can diverge over time through processes like specialization or generalization. The formation of a szócsalád typically involves the addition of prefixes and suffixes to the root word, creating new words with different grammatical functions or nuances of meaning. For example, the Hungarian word "ház" (house) is the root of a word family that includes "házi" (domestic, homemade), "háztartás" (household), and "házas" (married). Similarly, in English, "act" is the root for "action," "actor," "react," and "inactive." Understanding szócsaládok is crucial for language learners as it expands vocabulary efficiently and aids in comprehending the relationships between words. It also offers insights into the historical development and structure of a language. Identifying the root and affixes helps decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words.