Prefixes, Suffixes, Root Words, and Context Clues

Prefixes

Prefixes are a group of letters at the beginning of words (the root words).  Prefixes change the meaning of the root word.  For example, the prefix re means to do again.  When added to the beginning of the word start, the word restart means to start again.

Below are some common prefixes and their meanings.

           Prefix           Meaning                  Example

           pre             before                    pretest (test before

                                                              a test)

                                                                             

          dis               apart/not          disconnect (take apart)

           mis             wrong                    misplace (put in the           

                                                              wrong place)

           

           non            not, against            nonsense (does not make

                                                              sense                 

         

           inter           between           interstate (between states)

           extra          outside/beyond     extraordinary

                                                              (beyond ordinary

                                                              or common)

           post           after                        postscript (note added after

                                                              the signature of a letter)

           super         over, more than    superior (in a position over

                                                              others)

           sub             under                     subzero (below zero)

Suffixes

Suffixes are a group of letters at the end of words (the root words).  Some suffixes change the original word from one part of speech to another.  For example, the suffix er changes the verb run to the noun runner.  Some suffixes are used for comparison.

Ex. My sister is the fastest runner on the team.  Other suffixes change the tense of a verb. Ex.  Yesterday, she walked to school.

           Suffix                            Example

           less                               thoughtless (adjective)

           ble                                 dependable (adjective)

                                              

           ly                                   quickly (adverb)

           or                                   monitor (noun)

           ness                              sweetness (noun)

           ment                              amusement (noun

           er                                   faster (adjective that compares)

           ship                               friendship (noun)

           tion                                creation (noun)

           en                                   brighten (verb)

Answer the questions below correctly.

1.  Add a prefix to each word to make a new word that fits the meaning underneath.  Write the word in a sentence.

A.  _______spell                             F.  ______power

   

    to spell incorrectly                           extremely powerful nation

                              

B.  ______school                            G.  ______ordinary

    before school                                     beyond ordinary/remarkable

C.  ______national                          H.  ______courage

    between nations                              to lessen courage or

                                                                    confidence

D.  ______date                                I.  ______merge

    after the date                                       under water

E.  ______essential

    not essential

2.  Add a suffix to the words to make a new word that fits each meaning . (Watch spelling!) Then write its part of speech.

A. run ___________________      D.  hard________________ 

   one who runs                                   something that is more                                                                                 difficult

B.  nice__________________       E.  intent_______________

   in a nice manner                             what you intend (your plan)

C.  meaning______________        F.  wear________________

   without meaning                             can be worn

D.  soft__________________         G.  dark________________

   state of being soft                           to make dark

3.  Read each sentence.  Find the word with the suffix. 

    Write it in your journal along with the meaning.

A.  That plan is not doable.

B.  Knead the dough to soften it.

C.  That was a fearless jump he made on the skateboard.

D.  Her kind words will brighten his day.

E.  He does not work in that department.

4.  Write five sentences, each with a word with a prefix.  Use           the prefixes from the chart above.