.png)
We’ve all seen it: the common misspelling of “refrigerator” as “refridgerator.” A parent recently asked how they can help their child with this spelling challenge, and it sparked a great conversation about the origins of words and how we can break them down to make spelling easier.
At Ravinia Reading Center, we believe in helping children understand the structure of language, including how words are built and how spelling rules apply. By breaking down tricky words into their parts, students begin to see patterns that make spelling much more manageable.
Let’s start by diving into the word “refrigerator” and exploring why it’s so often misspelled.
Breaking Down the Word
To help students spell “refrigerator” correctly, we need to understand its roots. The word comes from the Latin verb refrigeratus, which means “to make cold.” When we break it down into its meaningful parts, or morphemes, we get the following:
<re> – meaning "again"
<friger> – meaning "cold" (from the Latin root frigus, meaning "cold")
<ate> – a common suffix used to form verbs
<or> – a noun-forming suffix
By understanding the meaning and origins of each part, students can begin to see that the base of the word is <friger>, not <fridge>.
The Common Mistake: Why “Refridgerator”?
Many students incorrectly spell “refrigerator” with a <d>, resulting in refridgerator. This error likely comes from the shortened, colloquial form “fridge.” The word fridge is a clipped version of refrigerator, and over time, the spelling became altered to include the <dg> combination. So, while fridge has become a widely accepted word, it doesn’t follow the same spelling patterns as refrigerator.
The <dg> spelling in words like fridge comes from Old English when the /g/ sound at the end of certain words became less common, replaced by the /dʒ/ sound. English scribes adopted the <dg> spelling to mark that there was historically a /g/ sound in the word. That’s why we see the spelling fridge with a <dg>, but it has no bearing on the spelling of refrigerator, which retains its Latin roots.
Why Spelling Matters
For many students, spelling can be a challenge, especially with words like refrigerator that have both Latin roots and modern variations like fridge. When we teach spelling at Ravinia Reading Center, we emphasize the importance of understanding word origins and patterns. This not only helps students with specific words but also gives them tools to tackle new and unfamiliar words in the future.
Instead of relying on the spelling of fridge to guide them, students can focus on the morphemes of refrigerator. By breaking it down into its components, we can help them see that refrigerator follows a logical pattern, unlike the clipped and altered fridge.
Fun with Related Words
One of the joys of teaching spelling and word structure is discovering how language evolves and connects across cultures. For example, refrigerator shares roots with other words that have a “cold” theme, like the French word frisson, meaning a shiver or chill, and the Italian dessert semifreddo, which literally means “half cold.” These fun connections make language learning more engaging and help students appreciate the richness of words.
Building Confidence in Spelling
The next time your child struggles with spelling refrigerator, remember that words are built from meaningful parts, and by breaking them down, we can unlock the secrets to spelling success. At Ravinia Reading Center, we’re here to support your child in developing strong reading and spelling skills that will serve them for life.
Remember: Don’t rely on fridge to spell refrigerator, and always take the time to explore the fascinating world of words with your child.
For more tips on helping your child improve their spelling and reading skills, check out our resources here and stay tuned for more insights into the world of language!
Comments