Reading Prefixes and Suffixes Study Guide

Reading Prefixes and Suffixes

In this lesson, you'll discover how word parts can help you figure out word meaning.

SOME WORDS ARE made up of parts, like base words, roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

A base word is a real word that can stand alone. You can make new words from it by adding other word parts.

Examples_1
Base word	Words made by adding parts
think	thinking, rethink, unthinkable, thinker
agree	agreeable, disagree, agreement

A root can't stand alone. Many roots come from Greek or Latin words.

Examples_2
Root	Origin	English example
dict	Latin for say	diction
spect	Greek for observe	inspect

A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a base word, like the re- in rethink. A prefix changes the meaning of the base word.

Examples_3
Prefix	Meaning	Example
sub	under	submarine, underwater vessel
un-	not	unbelieveable, not to be believed

A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a base word. The suffix also changes the meaning of the base word.

Examples_4
Suffix	Meaning	Examples
-less	without	sleepless, clueless, hopeless
-ly	in that way	gladly, quickly, immediately

You can use word parts to help you figure out the meaning of unknown words. Look at parts of the word. Do you recognize the base word? Be aware that added parts can change the base word's part of speech. For example, a verb might become a noun or a noun might become an adjective. Put the parts together and guess the meaning. Try out your idea in the sentence. If it makes sense, you're most likely right!

Example_5
I know he was upset, but his actions were indefensible!
Prefix	Base	Suffix
in-	defens	-ible
not-	justif(justify)	-able

Put the parts together: not justifiable. Try it in the sentence: I know he was upset, but his actions were not justifiable! Does it make sense? Yes!

Practice exercises for this study guide can be found at:

Reading Prefixes and Suffixes Practice Exercises

Reading Prefixes and Suffixes Study Guide