Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes
A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a root to change its meaning.
Prefix
Meaning
Examples
unrein-, im-, ilmissubpreintertranssemi-/hemiantipostbi-
not
again
not
not
under
before
between
across
half
against
after
two
uncover, unlikely
rewrite, rebuild
insensitive, impolite, illegible
misunderstand, misspell
submarine, subzero
pretest, preschool
interstate, internet
transport, transatlantic
semi-circle, hemisphere
anti-slavery, antibiotic
postgame, postwar
bicycle, bilingual
A root is the form of a word after all prefixes and suffixes are removed.
Root
Meaning
Examples
ped
bio
phon
dict
port
geo
scrib, scrip
bene
foot
life
sound
say
carry
earth
write
good
pedal, pedestrian
biology, biosphere
phonics, telephone
predict,
portable, transport
geography, geocentric
prescription, script
benefit, benevolent
A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root to change its meaning.
Suffix
-s, -es
-ed
-ing
-y, -ly
-er, -or
-er
-tion, -ion
-able, -ible
-ment
-ness
-less
Meaning
plural noun or present verb
tense
past verb tense
verb tense or noun form
indicating present action
how, when, where, or under
what conditions
one who
comparative adjective
the process or act of (noun)
capable of being
a means, act, or state (noun)
a state of being (noun)
without
Examples
dogs, boxes / swims, goes
laughed, coughed
playing, writing
slowly, rainy
writer, editor
bigger, happier
graduation, confusion
likeable, credible
government, agreement
kindness, helplessness
careless, harmless