Prefixes and suffixes
(parts of words at the beginning and end)
A prefix is part of a word that is attached to the beginning of a base word to change
the meaning.
un
+
prefix
happy
=
base word*
Words can have more than one prefix eg
unhappy
new word
over – re – act
(2 prefixes).
A suffix is part of a word that is attached to the end of a base word to change
the meaning.
wonder
+
base word
Words can have more than one suffix eg
ful
=
suffix
wonderful
new word
beauti – ful – ly (2 suffixes).
Many words have both a prefix and a suffix eg
mis-understand-ing.
*The word to which the prefixes and suffixes is attached is the base word.
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© Owned by State of NSW through the Department of Education and Communities 2011. This work may be freely reproduced and distributed
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Some prefixes and suffixes
Prefix (before the root/base word)
Suffix (after the root/base word)
anti
anticlockwise, antisocial
bi
bicycle, bi-annual
co
co-operate, co-pilot
de
descend, decompose
dis
disengage, disarray
en
enjoy, engulf
ex
ex-Prime Minister
in/im
inadequate, improper
mis
mistook, misunderstood
multi
multimillionaire, multi-storeyed
non
non-profit, non-believer
pre
prefix, pre-dawn
re
reapply, redesign
semi
semi-conscious, semicircle
sub
subdivide, submarine
tele
television, telescope
trans
translate, transport
un
unco-operative, unprovoked
able/ible
responsible, reliable
age
bandage, postage
ate
terminate, congratulate
en
wooden, lengthen
ful
beautiful, wonderful
hood
neighbourhood, parenthood
ic
realistic, optimistic
ish
childish, selfish
ism
realism, optimism
ist
realist, optimist
ity
reality, sensitivity
less
homeless, hopeless
ment
payment, commitment
ness
happiness, kindness
ous
dangerous, famous
ship
friendship, kinship
sion/ssion/tion
decision, permission, generation
ward/s
backwards, northwards
For more homework help, tips and info sheets go to www.schoolatoz.com.au
© Owned by State of NSW through the Department of Education and Communities 2011. This work may be freely reproduced and distributed
for non-commercial educational purposes only. Permission must be received from the department for all other uses.
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