Word Family

Definition

A word family is a set of words built from the same root or following the same structural pattern — for example, words ending in -IGHT (LIGHT, NIGHT, SIGHT, MIGHT). Families help you brainstorm candidates and learn vocabulary in connected groups.

Why it matters

Thinking in families turns one clue into many candidates and makes vocabulary far easier to remember than isolated words.

Examples

• -OUND: ROUND, SOUND, MOUND, BOUND.
• -IGHT: LIGHT, SIGHT, FIGHT, RIGHT.

Best practices

• When stuck, cycle through known families that fit the clues.
• Learn vocabulary in families, not in isolation.

Frequently asked