Prefix and Suffix: Definition, Usage and Examples (2024)

What Is a Prefix and a Suffix? – Meaning and Definition

A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. For example, the prefix "un-" in "unhappy" means "not," so the word "unhappy" means "not happy." Prefixes help in creating new words by altering the original word’s meaning.

A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word to change its form or meaning. For instance, the suffix "-ful" in "joyful" changes the word "joy" into an adjective, meaning "full of joy." Suffixes are often used to adjust the grammatical function of a word, such as turning a noun into an adjective or verb.

Spelling Rules to Be Followed When Adding a Prefix or a Suffix

When adding a prefix or suffix to a word, certain spelling rules should be followed to maintain proper word formation:

1. Prefixes Usually Don’t Change the Spelling:

• When adding a prefix to a word, the spelling of the original word usually doesn’t change. For example, adding "un-" to "happy" becomes "unhappy."

2. Doubling the Final Consonant:

• When adding a suffix to a word that ends in a single consonant, and the vowel before it is short (e.g., "run"), double the final consonant before adding a suffix starting with a vowel (e.g., "running").

3. Dropping the Final 'e':

• If a word ends in a silent "e," drop the "e" before adding a suffix that starts with a vowel (e.g., "hope" + "-ing" = "hoping"). However, if the suffix starts with a consonant, keep the "e" (e.g., "hope" + "-ful" = "hopeful").

4. Changing 'y' to 'i':

• If a word ends in a "y" preceded by a consonant, change the "y" to "i" before adding a suffix (e.g., "happy" + "-ness" = "happiness"). However, if the suffix begins with "i," such as "-ing," keep the "y" (e.g., "carry" + "-ing" = "carrying").

5. No Change for Suffixes Starting with Consonants:

• When adding suffixes that start with a consonant, the base word typically remains unchanged (e.g., "treat" + "-ment" = "treatment").

6. Adding 's' or 'es' for Plurals:

• For most words, simply add "s" to make them plural (e.g., "cat" becomes "cats"). However, if the word ends in "s," "x," "z," "ch," or "sh," add "es" (e.g., "box" becomes "boxes").

7. Maintaining Original Stress:

• Adding a prefix usually does not change the stress pattern of the word (e.g., "appear" becomes "disappear" without changing the stress on "pear").

By following these rules, you can accurately form new words using prefixes and suffixes while maintaining correct spelling.

Common Words That Use Prefixes and Suffixes and Their Meaning

Prefix Words

Suffix Words

List of Words Containing Both a Prefix and a Suffix

In this list, you'll find words that have both prefixes added to the beginning and suffixes added to the end. These modifications change the original word’s meaning, making the vocabulary more diverse and expressive. Understanding how prefixes and suffixes work together can help you better grasp the full meaning of these words.

Test Your Knowledge of Prefixes and Suffixes

1. Fill in the Blanks:

Complete the sentences by choosing the correct prefix or suffix.

1. The teacher was very __________ (help) when explaining the lesson.

2. I need to __________ (re) my notes before the exam.

   See Also

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3. The __________ (happy) of the students was evident on their faces.

4. She is very __________ (care) with her belongings.

5. After the storm, we had to __________ (build) the shed.

2. Identify the Prefix or Suffix:

In the following words, identify whether the affix is a prefix or a suffix, and explain its meaning.

1. Disappear

2. Joyful

3. Prehistoric

4. Childish

5. Unfinished

3. Match the Prefix with Its Meaning:

Match the following prefixes with their correct meanings.

4. Form New Words:

Create a new word by adding a prefix or suffix to the given base word.

1. Comfort (add a prefix or suffix)

2. Agree (add a prefix or suffix)

3. Kind (add a prefix or suffix)

4. Visible (add a prefix or suffix)

5. Social (add a prefix or suffix)

5. True or False:

Determine whether the following statements are true or false.

1. The prefix "bi-" means "two."

2. The suffix "-ness" changes a word into an adjective.

3. The word "unhappy" uses a prefix to mean "not happy."

4. Adding the suffix "-ly" turns a noun into an adverb.

5. The word "invisible" means "able to see."

6. Choose the Correct Affix:

Select the correct prefix or suffix to complete the word.

1. __________ (re/un/dis) connect (meaning: to connect again)

2. Hope __________ (ness/ful/less) (meaning: without hope)

3. Child __________ (ish/ful/ness) (meaning: like a child)

4. __________ (in/mis/un) accurate (meaning: not accurate)

5. Fear __________ (ful/less/ly) (meaning: full of fear)

Answers to the “Test Your Knowledge of Prefixes and Suffixes” Questions:

1. Fill in the Blanks:

1. The teacher was very helpful when explaining the lesson.

2. I need to review my notes before the exam.

3. The happiness of the students was evident on their faces.

4. She is very careful with her belongings.

5. After the storm, we had to rebuild the shed.

2. Identify the Prefix or Suffix:

1. Disappear - Prefix (dis- means "not" or "opposite of")

2. Joyful - Suffix (-ful means "full of")

3. Prehistoric - Prefix (pre- means "before")

4. Childish - Suffix (-ish means "like" or "characteristic of")

5. Unfinished - Prefix (un- means "not"), Suffix (-ed means "completed")

3. Match the Prefix with Its Meaning:

1. Re- - B. Again

2. Pre- - C. Before

3. Un- - A. Not

4. Mis- - D. Wrongly

5. Anti- - E. Against

4. Form New Words:

1. Comfortable (Suffix: -able)

2. Disagree (Prefix: dis-)

3. Kindness (Suffix: -ness)

4. Invisible (Prefix: in-)

5. Antisocial (Prefix: anti-)

5. True or False:

1. The prefix "bi-" means "two." - True

2. The suffix "-ness" changes a word into an adjective. - False (It changes a word into a noun.)

3. The word "unhappy" uses a prefix to mean "not happy." - True

4. Adding the suffix "-ly" turns a noun into an adverb. - False (It usually turns an adjective into an adverb.)

5. The word "invisible" means "able to see." - False (It means "not able to see.")

6. Choose the Correct Affix:

1. Reconnect (re- means "again")

2. Hopeless (-less means "without")

3. Childish (-ish means "like")

4. Inaccurate (in- means "not")

5. Fearful (-ful means "full of")

Takeaways from Prefixes and Suffixes

• Understanding Word Formation: Prefixes and suffixes are essential tools in word formation. Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning, while suffixes are added to the end to change the word's function or form.

• Expanding Vocabulary: Learning common prefixes and suffixes can greatly expand your vocabulary, helping you to understand and create new words with ease.

• Enhancing Comprehension: By recognising prefixes and suffixes, you can better understand the meanings of unfamiliar words, making reading and comprehension easier.

• Improving Grammar Skills: Suffixes often change the grammatical role of a word, such as turning a noun into an adjective. Understanding these changes can improve your grammar and writing skills.

• Practical Application: Knowledge of prefixes and suffixes is not only useful for language learning but also for standardised tests, writing, and everyday communication.