Morphology Patterns
Understand how Portuguese words are built from prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Learn the meaning of common word parts and expand your vocabulary.
Prefixes
Word parts added before the root
Latin origin, reversal/negation
Latin origin, meaning 'against', 'opposite to'. Prefixes typically modify the verb's meaning.
Latin origin, meaning 'with, together'. Functions as a preposition/prefix.
Latin origin, negative/entry prefix.
Latin origin, potentially intensifying, function unclear in this context.
Latin origin, intensifying prefix.
Latin origin, meaning 'with, together'. Prefixes modify the verb's meaning.
Latin *super-* meaning 'over, above'. Intensifier.
Latin origin, intensifier.
Latin origin, negative prefix.
Latin origin, meaning 'between' or 'among'.
Latin origin, meaning 'across, beyond'.
Showing 12 of 50 patterns
Roots
Core meaning-bearing word parts
Latin 'responsabilis', core meaning.
Latin origin (*nationālis*), meaning 'national'.
Latin origin (*relatio*), meaning 'relation' or 'connection'.
Latin *mentalis* - relating to government
Latin origin, core meaning of establishment
Latin origin, from *instituere* (to establish).
Latin *instrumentum* (instrument)
Latin origin, to characterize
From 'minerale' (Latin) + '-izar' (suffix indicating verb formation).
Latin *alimentum*, core meaning of nourishment.
Forms the verb stem.
Latin origin, core meaning
Showing 12 of 50 patterns
Suffixes
Word parts added after the root
Latin origin, verb-forming suffix
Latin origin, infinitive marker.
Combination of infinitive marker, indirect object pronoun, and conditional ending.
Clitic pronoun + conditional perfect ending.
'-nos' is a 1st person plural pronoun clitic. '-íamos' is the conditional ending.
Combination of infinitive marker (-ar), pronoun clitic (-nos), and conditional ending (-íamos).
Pronoun enclitic and conditional ending.
Combination of infinitive marker (-ar), clitic pronoun (-lhes), and future subjunctive ending (-emos).
Clitic pronoun 'lhes' (3rd person plural dative) + conditional ending '-íamos'.
Clitic pronoun 'lhe' (dative/indirect object) + verbal ending '-íamos' (future conditional, 1st person plural). Indicates recipient and tense/mood/person.
Combination of infinitive marker (-ar), object pronoun clitic (-vos), and conditional ending (-íamos).
Combination of infinitive ending (-ar), indirect object pronoun (-lhe), and future conditional ending (-íamos).
Showing 12 of 50 patterns