Prefixes and Suffixes
Introduction
Prefix and Suffix: A Wordville Adventure After learning how words branch out like trees reaching for the sky, you play with a few other tricks — data meaning, messages, symbols. They possessed a sorcery - they could change the definition of those words simply by sticking themselves at the beginning or end of root words. Their journey begins as they set out on a mission to help young learners see words become whatever they allow it to!
What are Prefixes and Suffixes?
A prefix is a few letters which come in front of the root word to modify the meaning of the word. Suffix : suffix is letters that forming part of a word and it is ending of the root word to make a new meaning.
Meet Prefix and Suffix and let’s see how they work!
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Prefix: "Un-" + "happy" = "unhappy" (changes meaning to "not happy")
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Suffix: "Kind" + "-ness" = "kindness" (changes meaning to "the state of being kind")
Table of Common Prefixes and Suffixes
|
Prefix |
Meaning |
Example |
|
Un- |
Not, opposite of |
Unhappy (not happy) |
|
Re- |
Again |
Rewrite (write again) |
|
Pre- |
Before |
Preview (see before) |
|
Dis- |
Not, opposite of |
Dislike (not like) |
|
Mis- |
Wrongly |
Misunderstand (understand wrongly) |
|
Suffix |
Meaning |
Example |
|
-ful |
Full of |
Hopeful (full of hope) |
|
-less |
Without |
Careless (without care) |
|
-er |
One who |
Teacher (one who teaches) |
|
-ly |
In a certain way |
Slowly (in a slow way) |
|
-ness |
State of being |
Kindness (state of being kind) |
Rules of Prefixes and Suffixes
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Prefixes do not alter the spelling of the root word.
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Example: "Do" → "Redo"
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Suffix spellings sometimes differ than the root word spelling.
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Example: "Happy" → "Happiness" (Y changes to I)
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Some prefixes literally mean the opposite.
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Example: "Visible" → "Invisible"
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Suffixes can also transform the part of speech of a word.
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Example: "Quick" (adjective) → "Quickly" (adverb)
50 Examples of Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes Examples:
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Unhappy
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Replay
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Preheat
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Disagree
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Mislead
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Incorrect
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Overcook
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Submarine
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Autopilot
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Interact
Suffixes Examples:
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Careless
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Joyful
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Teacher
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Slowly
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Darkness
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Powerful
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Playable
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Softness
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Runner
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Friendly
A Fun Story: The Adventure of Prefix and Suffix
It was a beautiful day in Wordville, and Prefix and Suffix were out playing when they found Root Word. “I wish I could be more exciting,” Root Word said. “Let’s help you!” said Prefix followed by Suffix The prefix "Re-" is added to "write," creating the word "Rewrite." Suffix attaching "-er" to "teach," yielding "Teacher." Root Word was thrilled! Now, Prefix + Suffix could be a world of different meanings and uses for him.
How can I learn more about prefixes and suffixes?
When it comes to prefixes and suffixes, you can do:
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Read Books & Online Resources – Great explanations and examples are available at websites like CNN, merriam-webster, educational blogs.
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Use Flashcards – Create flashcards with root word + various prefixes/suffixes.
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Practice Worksheets – Tap to download or make worksheets with exercises on prefixes and suffixes.
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Play Word Games – Try learning through apps like Scrabble, Wordscapes and Quizlets.
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Watch Educational Videos – YouTubers such as Khan Academy and BBC Bitesize skillfully break the concepts down.
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Write Sentences – This is a great way to get familiar with how prefixes and suffixes function and write sentences using this.
Fun Facts About Prefixes and Suffixes
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The longest prefix in English is antidisestablishmentarianism (opposition to disestablishment of the Church of England).
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Other words have both a prefix and dice suffix, e.g. "unkindness."
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Prefixes and suffixes appear in several other languages aside from English!
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Knowing prefixes & suffixes can help you determine the definition of unfamiliar words.
Key Takeaways
✔ This letter starts the words & its meaning changes.
✔ Suffixes add to the end of words to change their meaning or function.
✔ How to use prefixes & suffixes to enhance vocabulary & spelling.
✔ Prefixes usually do not change the spelling of root words but suffixes do.
✔ Learn common prefixes & suffixes There are some rules that make it easier to read & write.
Conclusion
A powerful force that helps shape the English language. Students are working towards more vocabulary, reading improvement, & better communication skills by learning about how words are formed. These small parts of words can greatly modify their meanings when the new word formed is used. Just get some more practice with this game & you will be a pro in a few weeks!
Since you met Prefix and Suffixes magic tricks, are you making up new words that can have prefixes & suffixes?