PREFIX, SUFFIX, AND

ROOT
Learn how to use prefixes,
suffixes, and base words to find
the meanings of words.

TYPES OF MORPHEMES
1.

Prefixes

2.

Roots

3.

Suffixes

We know that words are broken into parts

that help us figure out their meaning

PREFIXES

Prefixes are at the beginning of words.

pre- means before
fix means attach, repair

APK

Prefixes:
un- undo
re- refill
pro- for,
forward

SUFFIXES
Suffixes:
-ful
joyful
-ly
sadly
-ness kindness
Suffixes are at the end of words.
So, prefix means attached
before.

Prefixes

Suffixes

Prefix

Meaning

Example

Suffix

Meaning

Example

re-

back,
again

refill

-ful

Having

careful

tri-

three

triplet

-less

Without,
missing

joyless

un-

not

undo

-ly

In the
manner of

hopefully

Tell your partner:

An example of a prefix is ______ which means ______.

How do word parts like prefixes and suffixes help us _______?

ROOTS
A ROOT IS A SET OF LETTERS THAT HAVE
MEANING. IT IS THE MOST BASIC FORM .
AFFIXES ARE ADDED TO THE ROOT TO
CREATE A NEW WORD.
A root can be at the front, middle or end of a word.
Many words in the English language are based on
Greek & Latin word roots.

What

is a word root?

PRACTICE THE WORD PARTS

Which one of the following shows a root with an affix?

1.

bicycle

2. hippopotamus

QUESTION 1
Answer the following question.
Identify the meaning of the root word underlined
within the following word: description
A.
B.
C.
D.

mix
move
write
close

QUESTION 1
Answer the following question.
Identify the meaning of the root word underlined
within the following word: description
A.
B.
C.
D.

mix
move
write
close

ANSWER: C
The root word SCRIPT
means a system of writing
(noun) or to write (verb).

QUESTION 2
Using your knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and
root words, answer the question.
We sat in a semicircle and watched the
instructor at the front of the room.
What does the word semicircle mean in the
sentence above?
A. full circle
B. two circles
C. small circle
D. half circle

ANSWER: D
Semi- is a Latin prefix
meaning "half."
A semicircle is half of a
circle.

QUESTION 3
Civilizations of people lived before historical
records were written down.
What word describes this time period?
A. prehistoric
B. posthistoric
C. unhistoric
D. antihistoric

ANSWER: A
The prefix pre- means
before.
In this case, prehistoric means
the time period before historical
records were taken.

QUESTION 4
Using your knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and word
roots, answer the question.
Cara could easily recognize her grandfather in the old
family portrait by the famous Dutch painter. She said it
was a good likeness of him.
What does the word likeness mean in the sentence above?
A. sanctuary
B. similarity
C. skill
D. guard

ANSWER: B
The Anglo-Saxon root word "lik-"
means "similar."
The Anglo-Saxon suffix "-ness"
means "state of."
Therefore, likeness is the state of
being similar.