Suffixes and Prefixes are described along with the definition, meaning, examples, list, rules, uses, etc. All the concepts will be cleared in this session. There are an ever-increasing number of words in the English language. In addition to enhancing your vocabulary, learning new words can be overwhelming. However, if you know English prefixes and suffixes, you will learn many new words and gain a greater understanding of language.
It’s like learning a code when you master common prefixes and suffixes. Having cracked the code, you can not only spell words more accurately, but also recognize and perhaps even define unfamiliar words as well. Let’s explore Suffixes and Prefixes!
Let’s try to understand the basics of suffix and prefixes with examples.
Suffix and Prefix Basics
The English vocabulary is vast! We all know that, don’t we? But without an extensive stock of vocabulary, how can you improve your skills with the language? Well, expanding your vocabulary is not an easy task; you need to read a lot before your stock of words will reach a certain level.
- But what if you get some tricks to not only effectively use the language but also expand your vocabulary rapidly?
- Sounds interesting?
Well, this is exactly what you can do with suffix and prefix. So what are they exactly, and how do they function?
The Function of Suffix and Prefix
This is exactly what this post is all about. Thanks to the nature of the English language, just adding two letters before or after a particular word can change the meaning of the original word and create a new word altogether. These extra letters that you can add before or after any particular words are called suffix and prefix. But can you add these letters for every word in the English language?
In this post, we are going to find out all these answers regarding suffix and prefix. Read on as we talk about the definition, rules, and examples of suffix and prefix and how you can use them to expand your vocabulary. So without any further ado, let’s get started.
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What is The Definition Of Suffix And Prefix?
Well, before we move on to the definition of suffix and prefix, you need to understand where they occur in a word? Usually, the suffix and prefix will be added as per the root of every word. Now, the question arises what a root of a word is?
Well, to put it simply, a root of a word is nothing but the shortest base form of a word. For example, if we take the word ‘Video’, the root of the word is ‘vid’. The suffix and prefix will be added to the root of the word. This is how the meaning of the word will be determined after the change.
Suffix and Prefix with Examples
Let’s try to understand suffix and prefix with examples!
Let’s know about word formation before suffix and prefix.
Define Word Formation
A derivation and composition process results in words in a language. This is known as Word Formation.
Define Suffix: What is Suffix?
Suffixes form new words by adding a prefix to a root word, except they are added at the end of the root word. By adding a suffix to the root word, one can change the meaning of that word slightly, but only a little, not opposite or negative as prefixes do, instead, one can change the class of the word, as in making a verb an adjective.
Suffix refers to the group of letters that sits after the word and alters the meaning or qualifies the meaning of the original word. Like for example, ‘able’ is a suffix that can be used with the word ‘comfort’, and together they make ‘comfortable’, which qualifies the meaning of the original word.
So, comfort + able = comfortable.
Hence, ‘able’ is a suffix here.
Define Prefix: What is Prefix?
A prefix is a word that is added to the beginning of a root for the formation of a new word. There is no meaning to a prefix word on its own, but when added to a root word it changes its meaning. Prefixes make words negative, indicate opinions, or show repetition.
Prefix denotes the group of letters that sits before a word based on the root and alters or qualifies the meaning of the original word. For example, ‘de’ is a prefix that can be used with the word ‘code’, and together they form the opposite of the original word ‘decode’.
In case of uncomfortable, we see that un + comfortable = uncomfortable.
Here, ‘un’ is a prefix. Are you still not clear about the concept? Let’s take a look at some other examples.
Prefix Examples
Prefix examples are as follows,
- Non, un, im, in, il, ir = not, opposite = Nonsense, invalid, unhappy, unchanged.
- Re- = again = redo, replay, revisit.
- Mis = wrongly, not = misunderstand, misguide.
- De = reverse, remove = Deconstruct, destruct, detonate.
- Co, com, con = with, together = Compute, construct, contrive.
- Dis, dif, di = separation, away = Disbelief, Disown, Disorder, dissect.
Suffix Examples
Suffix examples are as follows,
- Er, or = showing comparison = Donner, teacher, cheater.
- Able, Ible = capable = Respectable, Formidable, Credible.
- D, ed = forming the past tense = Respected, Cheated, Fired, Aggravated.
- Ing = continuous tense = Running, Eating, Fighting, Working.
- Ment = State of result = Disappointment, Appointment.
- Ive = having the quality = Decisive, Creative, Divisive.
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Importance of Prefix & Suffix
You will be able to get through the Verbal Ability section of Competitive exams with ease if you are familiar with the usage of prefixes and suffixes in English. The English section of most government exams is considered a common and important part of the exam. To master the English section one needs to have a good grasp of English vocabulary and word formation.
It aims therefore to provide knowledge on the formation of words in the English language by using examples to illustrate how prefixes and suffixes work. Additionally, you will be able to download the list of prefixes and suffixes for your own reference.
Basic Rules for Suffix and Prefix
Always remember that neither suffix nor prefix can be used with every word. So before you use them, you need to keep in mind certain aspects. Below, I am listing them for your better understanding.
Suffix Rules
Rule#1: While using a suffix, you need to understand that sometimes they can have multiple meanings.
- For example, the suffix ‘er’. Sitting after the word, it can refer to the person who does the activity.
- Like ‘a dancer, a singer’. Sometimes, they can help establish a comparison as well, like ‘ faster, weaker, lower’.
Rule#2: When the suffix is used, sometimes, it can change the spelling of the word.
- For example, when the ‘ing’ suffix is used, the spelling of the word is bound to be changed.
- Like for ‘running. Swimming, fighting’. Another similar example can be ‘iness’ which is often applicable for words ending with ‘y’. In that case, ‘y’ is replaced by ‘I’.
Suffixes are also similar in meaning to many prefixes. In like manner with the suffix, ‘er’ indicates the action performed by a person when added to a word such as Teachers, gardeners, performers, etc. Comparative adjectives and adverbs are also modified by adding the suffix ‘er’. Fast is shortened to faster and soon becomes sooner, etc.
The spelling of the base word can change when a suffix is added. In general, these are the base words ending in y or e. For example, happy becomes happier, costly becomes costlier with the suffix ‘er’, manage become managing, make become making with the suffix ‘ing’.
Prefix Rules
Rule#1: Many prefixes also mean the same. Like for example, un-, in-, and non mean the same as ‘mis’ and ‘ir’.
Rule#2: Sometimes using the prefix changes the spelling by introducing double letters. Like for example, ‘unnatural’ ‘unnoticeable’.
Rule#3: Using the prefix will never alter the root of the original word. This is very important. Like for example, if you take the word ‘Live’ and add the prefix ‘re’, it will be ‘relive’, keeping the root of the word intact.
A hyphen (-) should be used when adding a prefix to a common noun. Examples include Pro-American or Anti-Religion.
After self- and ex-prefixes, hyphen must be used, for example, self-desirable, self-disciplined, ex-husband, ex-employee etc.
If you add a prefix, you should not change the spelling of the original word or root word; for example: undo, disappear, irrelevant, cooperation, irrational, etc.
When adding a prefix, letters can be repeated.
Prefixes that end with an ‘a’ are used as they are, like atypical, amoral, etc. With prefixes that end with a vowel, the base word will use it as it is.
Following point number 3 (don’t change spelling) is generally recommended even if it results in double consonants after adding the prefix.
The word Uncle begins with a prefix, but it does not have a prefix added to it.
There are many prefixes that can mean the same thing, such as ‘in’, ‘im’, ‘un’ all of these prefixes mean ‘opposite of’ or ‘not’.
List of Suffixes and Prefixes
Suffixes and prefixes lists are tabulated,
Prefixes List
| Prefix | Meaning | Examples |
| anti- | against, | antibiotic, |
| auto- | self | autobiography |
| co- | with | co-operation |
| de- | down | decrease |
| dis- | opposite of, | disagree, disapprove |
| ex- | former, | ex-president, |
| extra- | beyond, | extraordinary, |
| il-, | not | illegal, |
| im-, | not | impossible, |
| In- | not | indefinite |
| ir- | not | irresponsible, |
| in- | into | insert, |
| inter-, | between | interact, |
| micro- | small | microscope, |
| mis- | wrongly | mistake, |
| mono- | one, | monotone, |
| para- | beside | parachute, |
| post- | after | postpone, |
| pre- | before | prefix, |
| re- | again | react |
| semi- | half | semicircle, |
| super- | over | superfood, |
| therm- | heat | thermodynamics |
| trans- | across, | transport, |
| tri- | three | triangle |
| un- | against | unusual |
Suffixes List
| Suffix | Meaning | Examples |
| -al | Related or action | annual, criminal |
| -able | able to, | remarkable |
| -dom | state | freedom |
| -ence | quality | ambience |
| -er | in comparison | bigger, |
| -est | superlative | heaviest |
| -fy | make | justify |
| -ful | full of | houseful |
| -ible | to form adjective | terrible |
| -ily | To form adverb | happily, |
| -ing | action | driving |
| -ist | Person who acts | psychologist |
| -less | without, | Fearless, helpless |
| -ness | to express the state | hardness |
| -tion | state | position |
| -y | to express condition | noisy |
Why Do You Need To Learn And Practice Suffix And Prefix?
As mentioned earlier as well, learning suffixes and prefixes will not only help you understand the grammatical elements better but will also help you expand your vocabulary too.
Keep in mind that suffix and prefix can only be used for certain words. Hence, you need to practice regularly to master the concept. Plus, as for everything related to English grammar, the more you read, the more you will learn. The same can be said for suffix and prefix as well.
- So, from now on, whenever you will read something in English, try to locate the words that are using suffixes or prefixes.
- Firstly, it will help you understand the usage better and refer to the points I have mentioned above about using them.
- Apart from that, you can also note down the words in a copy. This can be a great practice to improve your vocabulary and learn new words.
Conclusion
So, what else would you like to know about suffix and prefix? Should you have any further queries about them, then reach out to us, and we will surely get back to you to the best of our knowledge. Further Study you can refer below:
| Refer Our Few Interesting Articles | |
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| How does light interact with matters | Tips to build reading habit of kids |
| What is reflection of light | What is preposition |
| What is noun in english grammar | Types of Noun |
Transcript
Hey, there! Welcome to this video on root words, prefixes, and suffixes.
Many of the words we speak in English are made up of Latin and Greek words, but we have added prefixes and suffixes to them. Prefixes and suffixes are known as affixes.
The original word, before you add the affixes, is known as a root word. A root word can stand on its own as a complete word. For example the word reform. Re- is the prefix, and form is the root word. Form, by itself, is still a word. A root, on the other hand, does not typically make up a complete word on its own. For example, transmit. The trans is the prefix meaning across, and mit is the root meaning “to send.” Mit, by itself, is not a complete word.
Now, let’s take a look at what prefixes and suffixes actually are.
Words can be long and difficult at times, but understanding root words and the affixes can help you to understand the meaning of those long words and make them less scary.
New words can be made by adding a prefix before or a suffix after a root or root word.
When an affix is added before the root or root word, it is called a prefix. A helpful way to remember this is by looking at the word prefix itself. Pre means “before,” and a prefix comes before the root or root word.
A prefix often changes the meaning of a word. For instance, the word usual just means that something is customary or habitual. However, when you add the prefix un-, meaning “not” or “opposite of,” to the beginning, it changes the meaning of the word. Now, we have the word unusual, which means that something is not usual, not common, or is rare. Prefixes have definitions of their own, so when we add them onto a root word or root, we have to understand that the meaning of the word has been modified.
Now, an affix that is added to the end of a root or root word is called a suffix. Unlike a prefix, a suffix typically does not change the meaning of the word, at least not in a major way. Instead, a suffix typically adds more specification. For instance, if I say that someone is tall, you think of a person who is above the average or normal height. However, when I say someone is taller, I’m letting you know that a person is tall in comparison to another person, but they may not be tall in general.
Take a look:
Mark is tall.
Mark is taller than Jeff.
The meaning of the word is still referring to the height of a person or an object, but adding the suffix has changed the specification.
A suffix can add plurality, which just means that there are more than one of something. The most popular suffixes are -s and -es. These are examples of suffixes that add plurality. I actually just did this with the word suffix. When I just say “suffix,” I am letting you know that there is only one, but when I say “suffixes,” I’ve added plurality, letting you know that there is more than one.
Words can have a prefix, root or root word, and suffix all in one.
Let’s look at the word destruction
De- is the prefix meaning “opposite.” Struct is the Latin root meaning “to build,” and -ion is the suffix meaning “act or process.” Understanding the meaning of prefixes, roots or root words, and suffixes helps us to understand the proper meaning of a word. With our definition of the prefix, root, and suffix, in the word destruction, we can see that the opposite of building is happening.
There are thousands of roots and root words out there that are used in the English language. There are fewer prefixes and suffixes combined than there are roots and root words. Practice finding the prefixes, roots and root words, and suffixes in the words you use in class and at home.
The more you practice, the easier it will be for you to understand the meaning of words that you have never even heard of.
I hope this video on prefixes, roots and root words, and suffixes was helpful for you!
See you next time!
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Is gyroscope is a prefix are root word?
Gyroscope itself is not a prefix or a root word. Gyro- is the
prefix. Scope is the root word.
What is the root and prefix for word retract?
The root word is «tract» and the prefix is «re»
What is the prefix and root for the word nonverbal?
the prefix is non and the root word is verb.
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of safely is ly, safe is the root word
Is the ad in admit a root or a prefix?
prefix
level 1
Some prefixes become words in their own right by abbreviating certain words beginning with that prefix. Think of «kilo» for «kilogram» and «sub» for «submarine», «subscription» and various other words.
«Pre» is one of these words, meaning «before» as a preposition.
level 2
But is «pre» now a root word? I understand that to mean that you could add a prefix or a suffix to it to form a new word and I think OP wants to know if «-historic» is now the suffix for the root «pre». I would think that it’s still a prefix in that example. But «sub» probably qualifies, since you can «unsub» from something. Or would that still be an abbreviated use of «unsubscribe», rather than a word in its own right?
The System of Affixation in English refers to the process of attaching a group of letters to a word in order to change its meaning, number, state, or form.
There are two primary types of affixation: Prefixes and Suffixes
| Base word | Affixation | Word |
|---|---|---|
| determined | pre + determined | predetermined |
| play | play + er | player |
| weekly | bi + weekly | biweekly |
| follow | follow + ing | following |
Prefix
A prefix is a small group of letters that are affixed at the beginning of the word.
- Subsidiary
- Nonviolence
- Intolerance
Functions of Prefix
Indicate presence or absence
| amoral | without morals |
| injected | put into |
| congenital | present from birth |
Indicate position
| hypodermic | under the skin |
| circumnavigate | to sail around |
| antechamber | a chamber before another |
| Interstellar | between stars |
Indicate qualities, size, or number
| thermometer | heat measuring instrument |
| macrocosm | big world or universe |
| polyglot | someone who speaks many languages |
Indicates time, frequency, or order
| post dated | later than the stipulated date |
| redo | do again |
| primary | first |
Types of Prefixes
Negative Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| un- | not | uncomfortable, unbearable, unforgivable |
| in- | not | incomplete, indecisive, independent |
| dis- | opposite of | disinterested, disproportionate, displeasure |
| ir- | not | irresponsive, irresponsible, irrevocable |
| il- | not | illogical, illegitimate, illegible |
| im- | not | improbable, impossible, impenetrable |
| non- | not | nonviolent, nonchalant, non-invasive |
| mis- | wrong/wrongly | misinterpret, misunderstand, miscalculation |
| mis- | hate | misogynist, misogamist, misanthrope |
| mal- | bad/ badly | malfunction, malevolent, malediction, malnutrition |
| anti- | against | antinational, antibacterial, antibiotics |
| de- | down, reduce | descend, decry, deject, demote, decline |
| a- | without, not | asocial, amorphous, abiotic, atrophy |
| dis- | apart, off, away | disband, disturb, disburse, dismiss |
| dys- | bad | dystopia, dysfunctional, dyslexia |
Prefixes of Size
| Prefix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| semi- | half | semicircle, semiconductor, semi-active, semicolon |
| equi- | equal | equidistant, equivalent, equisonant |
| micro- | small, tiny | microscope, microorganism, microcosm, micromanage |
| macro- | big | macroeconomics, macrocosm, macrolevel |
| mega- | big | megalomaniac, megapolis, megapixel |
| mini- | small | minimum, minicomputer, miniature |
| maxi- | big | maximum, maximal, maxim |
| hemi- | half | hemisphere |
Prefixes of Position or Location
| Prefix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| inter- | between | interstellar, intermediate, interval, intervene |
| super- | over, above | superfluous, supersede, superintendent, supervisor |
| trans- | across | transfer, transport, transgress, transmit |
| ex- | out | exterior, external, extraneous, extract |
| in-/ im- | inside | internal, induce, imbibe, impregnate, influence |
| sub-, suc-, sus- | under | subterranean, susceptible, submit, submarine |
| sur- | over | surface, surfeit, surrender, survive, surcharge |
| circum- | around | circumspect, circumnavigate, circumscribe, circumvent |
| peri- | around | perimeter, periscope, perimortem |
| per- | through | percolate, pervade, perfect, perforated, perceive |
| infra- | below | infrared, infravision, infrarealism |
| ab- | away | abduct, abstain, abjure, abdicate |
| contra- | against | contravene, contradict, contralto, contrast |
| de- | down | descend, decline, demote, decrease |
| dia- | across | diagonal, diaphanous, diachronic, diagnosis |
| hyper- | over | hypertrophy, hyperactivity, hyperbole, hypertension |
| hypo- | under | hypothermia, hypothyroid |
| ob- | against | obloquy, obnoxious, object, obfuscate |
| pro- | for | prologue, provide, protect, project, procreate |
| syn-, sym- | together | synthesis, syndicate, sympathy |
| ultra- | beyond | ultraviolet, ultramodern, ultra-royalist, ultrasonic |
| under- | under | underground, underachiever, underestimate |
| meta- | beyond | metastasis, metabolize, metamorphic, metaphysics |
| mid- | between | midterm, middle, midday |
| by- | near | bypass, bygone, by-product |
| epi- | upon | epidermis, epilogue, epitaph |
| post- | back | postern, posterior |
Prefixes of time and sequence
| Prefix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| pre- | before | prevent, prepare, predict, premonition, prelude |
| ante- | before | antediluvian, antebellum |
| prime- | first | primary, primordial, prima donna, primate, primeval |
| post- | after | posterity, posthumous, postlude, post-marital |
| retro- | before | retrogression, retroflex, retrospect |
| pro- | before | progenitor, proceed, prologue, prophecy, prophylactic |
| re- | again | recur, recount, rethink |
| fore- | before | foretell, forestall, foresight |
| after- | after | after-effects, afterthought |
| chron- | time | chronology, chronicle |
Prefixes of numbers and amount
| Prefix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| mono- | one | monotheism, monologue, monochromatic, monarch |
| uni- | one | universe, unitary, union, unanimous, unity |
| bi- | two | bicentennial, biannual, bicycle, bigamous, bipolar |
| du-, di- | two | duo, dual, dicotyledon, dichromatic |
| tri- | three | trident, tricolor, triumvirate, trifecta, trilogy, tripod |
| quad- | four | quadruple, quadruplets, quadrilateral |
| tetra- | four | tetrapods, tetrameter |
| penta- | five | pentagram, pentacle, pentagon |
| quint- | five | quintuplets, quintal |
| hex- | six | hexagon, hexadecimal, hexameter |
| sex- | six | sextuplets, sextet |
| sept- | seven | septuagenarian, septuplets |
| hept- | seven | heptagonal, heptathlon |
| octa- | eight | octagon, October, octopus, octuplets |
| nov- | nine | novena, November |
| dec- | ten | decade, decimal, decathlon |
| hendeca- | eleven | hendecacolic, hendecagonal |
| dodeca- | twelve | dodecahedron, dodecaphony |
| triskaideka- | thirteen | triskaidekaphobia |
| cent- | hundred | century, century, centipede |
| hector- | thousand | hector, hectogram |
| kilo- | thousand | kilogram |
| mega- | million | megaton, megahertz |
| giga- | billion | gigabyte |
| multi- | many | multimillionaire, multipurpose |
| poly- | many | polynomial, polygon, polymath |
Miscellaneous Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| alb- | white | albino, albinism |
| ambi- | both | ambidextrous, ambivalent, ambiguous |
| amphi- | both | amphibian, amphitheatre |
| bio- | life | biology, biohazard, biosphere |
| auto- | self | automated, autonomous, autocrat |
| co-, com-, con- | together, joint | co-dependent, companion, congregation |
| en-, em- | make, become | engender, empower, endanger |
| eu- | good | euthanasia, eulogy, euphemism |
| cario- | heart | cardiovascular, cardiogram |
| hydr- | water | hydrogen, hydraulic, hydrophobia |
| ig- | bad | ignominy, ignoble, ignorant |
| bene- | good | benevolent, benediction, benign |
| bon- | good | bon voyage, bonhomie, bonafide |
| homo- | same | homonym, homophone, homeopathy |
| pan- | all | panacea, pan Asiatic, panorama |
| pseudo- | fake | pseudonym |
| neo-, nov- | new | neologism, novelty |
| amo-, ami | love | amorous, amicable, amiable |
| aqua- | water | aqueduct, aquatic |
Suffix
A suffix is a group of letters that are fixed to the end of a root word or a base word.
Functions of Suffix
Change the part of speech of the word
| meaning (n) | meaningful (adj) |
| beautiful (adj) | beautifully (adv) |
| subject (n) | subjecting (v) |
Indicate whether the number is singular or plural
| girl (singular noun) | girls (plural noun) |
| stratum (singular noun ) | strata (plural noun) |
| lifts (singular verb) | lift (plural verb) |
Indicate the tense of the verb
| hopped (past) | hopping (continuous) |
| steal (past) | stolen (past participle) |
Indicate the gender of a noun
| host (masculine) | hostess (feminine) |
| steward (masculine) | stewardess (feminine) |
| executor (masculine) | executrix (feminine) |
Types of Suffixes
Noun Suffixes
| Suffix | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -al | state | refusal, betrayal, perusal |
| -ance, -ence, -ancy, -ency | quality or state | militancy, performance |
| -tion | condition | condition, relation |
| -ice | condition | malice, novice, justice |
| -er/-or | doer | painter, trainer, actor |
| -graph | record | telegraph, phonograph, polygraph |
| -ism | belief | Hinduism, communism, fascism |
| -ist | doer | pacifist, pianist, altruist |
| -ian | someone who does | Gandhian, guardian, politician |
| -ing | name of an activity | reading, gardening, sleeping |
| -ity | state | continuity, annuity |
| -logy | the study | geology, neurology |
| -ship | state of | friendship, kinship, sportsmanship |
| -sion, -tion | the process of | expansion, determination, connection |
| -ory | place | dormitory, reformatory, laboratory |
| -orium, -arium | place | sanitarium, aquarium, crematorium |
| -mania | madness | monomania, bibliomania, egomani |
| -phobia | fear | hydrophobia, cynophobia, mysophobia |
| -ure | state | composure, exposure, leisure |
| -ment | state | abandonment, refinement, entertainment |
| -ness | state | happiness, completeness, fullness |
Suffixes of Verbs
| Suffix | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -able | to make | enable, disable |
| -ate | Latin origin verbs | recreate, abate, mediate |
| -ed | simple past or participle form | killed, toyed, booked |
| -en | verbs formed from adjectives | broken, frozen, sunken |
| -er | actions that have a repetitive quality | blabber, snicker, mutter |
| -fy | do | magnify, specify, rectify |
| -ing | action in continuation | hearing, yearning, making |
| -ise | to make/do | revolutionise, apologise, despise |
| -ish | become or do | flourish, banish, demolish |
| -nt | to do | prevent, augment, content |
| -s, -es | simple present tense form | criticises, runs, laughs |
Suffixes of Adjectives
| Suffix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| -able, -ible | having the quality of | flexible, available, eatable |
| -al | related to | ventral, global, musical |
| -ant | doing | dependent, buoyant, resilient |
| -ic | having the quality | terrific, generic, specific |
| -esque | like, having the quality | statuesque, picturesque |
| -er, -est | comparative and superlative qualities | fatter, tallest |
| -ose | full of | verbose, grandiose |
| -ful | full of | beautiful, boastful, grateful |
| -ing | participle form of an adjective | interesting, frustrating, sleeping |
| -istic | having the quality | realistic, artistic, surrealistic |
| -ive | having the nature of | pensive, aggressive, massive |
| -ous, -ious | full of | gaseous, spacious, gracious |
Suffixes of Adverbs
| Suffix | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| -ably | with a quality | comfortably, admirably, disagreeably |
| -ibly | with a quality | audibly, horribly, negligibly |
| -s | shows time or place | backwards, always, forwards |
| -wise | shows manner or position | clockwise, otherwise, lengthwise |
Root Words and Base Words
The root word and the base words are the parts that contain the primary meaning of the word. Prefixes and suffixes are added to root and base words to create new words and ideas.
Root Word
- A root word cannot stand on its own as an independent word.
- It needs the addition of the prefix or the suffix for the completion of its meaning.
- For example, let us consider the words amphibian, regeneration and subtraction.
amphi- -bi- -an
prefix root suffix
re- -generat- -ion
prefix root suffix
sub- -tract- -ion
prefix root suffix
- In the above cases, the roots -bi-, -generat- and -tract- cannot stand alone as individual words.
- They are therefore known as root words.
Base Word
- A base word, unlike a root word, can stand on its own like an independent word.
- It does not need the addition of a prefix or suffix in order to function as a stand-alone word.
- For example, let us consider the words redone, nonviolent and unmoved.
re- done
prefix base word
non- violent
prefix base word
un- moved
prefix base word
In the above examples, done, violent, and moved can function as independent words.
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Also, Read
Figures of Speech
Subject Verb Agreement
Degrees of Comparison
