Roots, Prefixes, and
Suffixes
Test Prep for the SBAC
S
What is Prefix?
S A prefix is a word or part of a word placed at the beginning
of another word
S A prefix changes the meaning of a word
S Example: Semi (meaning half, or two)
S -Semicircle (changes the meaning of the word circle to half
circle)
S What is another example of a word with the prefix semi?
What does the word mean?
What is a Root Word?
S A root word is word that other words are made from
S Root words can occur in the beginning, middle, or end of
another word, or can be words by themselves
S Example: Therm (meaning heat, or warm)
S Other words can be made from therm, like thermometer
(something that measures heat or warmth)
S What is another word with the root word therm? What does
the word mean?
What is a Suffix?
S A suffix is part of a word that comes at the end of other
words
S Like a prefix, a suffix changes the meaning of a word when
it is added
S Example: er/or (meaning one who)
S Teacher (changes the word teach to one who teaches)
S What is another word with the suffix er or or? What does
the word mean?
Good Test Strategies for Roots,
Prefixes, and Suffixes
S Use your knowledge of Spanish, French, or other languages
to help you guess the meaning of words
S Example: The root words “ante” means before. AM means
Antemeridian (before the middle of the day, as in 7AM).
S What does ante sound like in Spanish that means the same
thing?
Good Test Strategies for Roots,
Prefixes, and Suffixes
S Think of words that you do know with the same root,
prefix, or suffix
S Based on words that you do know, you might be able to
figure out what words you don’t know mean
S Example: Astro (root word for star or stars)
S What words do you know that could help you figure out this
root word?
Test Questions with Roots,
Prefixes, and Suffixes
S Questions 29-32 on Practice
Benchmark