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0 Prefixes and Suffixes
Knowing prefixes as well as suffixes is like having superpowers when it comes to English fluency. These small word parts might look inconspicuous but they are capable of helping you expand your vocabulary and comprehend difficult words.
What are Prefixes and Suffixes?
Prefix: A prefix is a group of letters added before a word that changes its meaning or gives it new meaning altogether. It’s the same as building blocks placed in front of the root word.
For example: re- + paint (to paint again); un- + happy (not happy)
Suffix: A suffix is a group of letters joined after the root word that helps to form a new word.
For example : kind + -ness = kindness, develop + ment = development
Common Prefixes:
- re- (again): redo, rewrite
- un- (not): unhappy, unlock
- pre- (before): preview, predict
- dis- (opposite of): disagree, dishonest
- im- (not): impossible, imperfect
Common Suffixes:
- -ment (action or state): achievement, development
- -er (person who does something): teacher, writer
- -ful (full of): hopeful, peaceful
- -able (can be): capable, lovable
- -tion (action or process): creation, explanation
Prefix Solutions :
1. de- (reverse, remove):
– decode
– deflate
– deconstruct
– deactivate
2. dis- (opposite, not):
– disagree
– disconnect
– disapprove
– disengage
3. mis- (wrongly, badly):
– misinterpret
– misbehave
– misplace
– misfire
4. un- (not):
– uncover
– unfold
– untangle
– unleash
5. semi- (half, partly):
– semicircle
– semifinal
– semicolon
– semitransparent
6. vice- (in place of, deputy):
– vice-chair
– vice-president
– vice-captain
– vice-principal
7. micro- (small, millionth):
– microscope
– microcosm
– microchip
– microorganism
Suffix Solutions:
1. -ment (result or action):
– development
– improvement
– adjustment
– alignment
2. -ship (state or condition):
– friendship
– leadership
– partnership
– ownership
3. -ful (full of):
– beautiful
– powerful
– joyful
– grateful
4. -ion (action or process):
– celebration
– completion
– creation
– exploration
5. -al (related to):
– cultural
– logical
– musical
– historical
6. -ly (in the manner of):
– quickly
– softly
– steadily
– happily
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