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.
A very nice course available on the internet for basic engineering course, which is highly rated & effective. You can available. Its not free but has a minimal charge.
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.
Check a NICE VIDEO from Shaw English Online,
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 | |
| Rules to use preposition in | What is magnet for kids |
| Luminous and Illuminated Objects | Thirty Important tips to concentrate on Study |
| 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 |
Do you want to know how new words are made? Today we will explore one way of forming new words — derivation.
We will explain the meaning of derivation in English grammar and how derivatives are formed. We will also look at some examples and the difference between derivation, zero derivation, and inflection.
Derivation in English grammar
In English grammar, derivation refers to the creation of a new word from an existing one by adding affixes to the root. Affixes can be broken down into prefixes and suffixes.
Prefixes = placed at the beginning of a word, e.g. the ‘un’ in ‘unhappy’ is a prefix.
Suffixes = placed at the end of a word, e.g. the ‘ly’ in ‘finally’ is a suffix.
Derivation is a type of neologism which refers to creating and using new words.
In case you forgot: The root of a word is the base part (without any affixes added), e.g. the root of the word ‘untrue’ is ‘true’.
Think of the root of a word as the trunk of a tree. The added affixes are the leaves that grow from the branches.
Fig. 1 — Think of the root of a word as the trunk of a tree.
Derivation word formation
Derivatives can be formed in two different ways:
- Adding a prefix to the root of an existing word.
- Adding a suffix to the root of an existing word.
Derivations follow different patterns depending on what is added. When a word is formed by adding a suffix, the word form changes and the word class (e.g. nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.) is usually changed — though not always. Below are some examples of different suffixes and how they can change the word class:
Suffixes
Suffixes can be added to an adjective to form different word classes:
Weak (adjective) ⇨ Weakness (noun)
Short (adjective) ⇨ Shorten (verb)
Polite (adjective) ⇨ Politely (adverb)
Sometimes, suffixes can be added to an adjective without changing the word class. For example:
Pink (adjective) ⇨ Pinkish (adjective).
Suffixes can be added to a noun to form different word classes:
Tradition (noun) ⇨ Traditional (adjective)
Motive (noun) ⇨ Motivate (verb)
Sometimes, suffixes can be added to a noun without changing the word class — for example:
Friend (noun) ⇨ Friendship (noun)
They can also be added to a verb to form different word classes:
Prefixes
When a prefix is added to a word, the word form changes. However, the word class usually remains the same. For example:
Derivation example sentence
It is important to know how to use ‘derivation’ in a sentence. For example:
The process of creating a word by adding affixes is known as derivation.
The word that has been changed due to derivation is referred to as a derivative of the root word. For example:
Carefully is a derivative of the word careful.
The affixes added to words when derivation occurs are known as derivational affixes. For example:
- ‘dis’ is a derivational prefix
- ‘al’ is a derivational suffix
Derivation examples in English
Now let’s look at some more examples of derivation:
| Root word | Derivative | Affix type |
| Write | Rewrite | Prefix |
| Intense | Intensify | Suffix |
| Conscious | Subconscious | Prefix |
| Predict | Predictable | Suffix |
| Agree | Disagree | Prefix |
| Kind | Kindness | Suffix |
| Sure | Unsure | Prefix |
| Establish | Establishment | Suffix |
| Perfect | Imperfect | Prefix |
| Relation | Relationship | Suffix |
Derivation vs zero derivation
Let’s look at the meaning of zero derivation:
Zero derivation refers to when a new word is created, and there is no change in the word form, but the word class changes.
Call (verb) — e.g. ‘Call me tomorrow.’
VS
Call (noun) — e.g. ‘That call was long.’
In this case, the verb ‘call’ changes word class to a noun, but the word form stays the same.
In comparison, derivation does change the form of the word. It can also change the word class, but not always.
Derivation vs inflection
It is easy to get derivation and inflection mixed up, as they both use affixes.
Let’s look at the meaning of inflection:
Inflection refers to the change in the form of an existing word by adding affixes to show grammatical meaning (i.e. tense, voice, mood, person). The word class does not change.
Eat → Eating → Eaten
These are different forms of the verb ‘eat’ that show changes in tense — the suffixes ‘ing’ and ‘en’ are added.
Derivation — Key takeaways
- Derivation refers to the creation of a new word from an existing word by adding affixes (prefixes or suffixes) to the root of a word.
- Derivation is a form of neologism.
- When suffixes are added, the word form changes and usually the word class too (though not always). The word form changes when prefixes are added, but the word class rarely does.
- Zero derivation refers to when a new word is created, and there is no change in the word form, but the word class changes.
- Inflection refers to the change in the form of an existing word by adding affixes to show grammatical meaning. The word class does not change.
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.
You Asked, We Listened – List of All Grammar Chapters Updated 😍😍
Also, Read
Figures of Speech
Subject Verb Agreement
Degrees of Comparison
Time and Tense
What is word formation in grammar? and what are the methods of word formation? What are prefixes and suffixes?
Word formation definition:
Merriam Webster dictionary defines word formation as the formation of words in a language by the processes of derivation and composition.
We usually add a prefix or suffix to make new words. How are prefixes and suffixes alike? Both are a type of affix and both can change a word’s meaning.
Word formation prefixes and suffixes in English: Word formation examples lists
Word formation suffixes and prefixes (important word formation lists)
List of prefixes and suffixes
Generally, we use prefixes and suffixes to make new words. This post deals with words with prefixes and suffixes.
Word formation prefixes
Prefix meaning
A prefix is defined as a letter or group of letters that we add to the beginning of a word to form new words. Prefixes can be used to guess the meaning of words.
Below is a high-quality poster that can be printed out. The poster contains prefixes list, their meanings, and examples. Also, there is a link to an outstanding video on prefixes
Prefix examples
Look at the words tie, retie and untie. What do they have in common? ( prefix of tie)
They all include the word tie. So the word tie is the root word or base word. Adding a prefix changes the meaning of the root.
Adding a prefix changes the meaning of the root.
Here are lists of common prefixes and suffixes, along with their meanings and examples, that we use in word formation.
The word formation examples list below shows prefixes (word building prefixes)
What prefix means new? What is the prefix for new and recent?
The prefix meaning new and recent is neo-
The prefix of tie is un- (untie)
The prefix of look is over- (overlook which means fail to notice = misheed)
The prefix with present or potent is omni- (omnipresent, omnipotent)
The prefix of appeared is dis-. It means the opposite of. (disappeared is the opposite of appeared).
The prefix of able is un- or dis- (Examples: unable, disable)
The prefix of see is un- or for- (Examples: unsee, forsee)
The prefix of paid is under- (underpaid)
The prefix for potent is im- (impotent)
The prefix for tied is un- (untied)
The prefix of populated is un- (unpopulated which means uninhabited)
The prefix for the word trust is dis- , un- or mis- ( we can say distrust, untrust or mistrust. All of them mean lack of trust or confidence)
The prefix for accurate is in- (inaccurate which means not accurate or incorrect or wrong)
The prefix of use is mis- (misuse which means use in the wrong way or badly) (The prefix mis means wrongly or badly)
The prefix of necessary is un- (unnecessary)
The prefix that means recent is neo- (Words with prefix neo-)
The prefix for tie (tie prefix) is un- (untie)
The poster below shows over 10 examples of prefixes
The prefixes in-, im-, il-, ir-, un-, dis- have the same meaning. They mean ‘opposite of’ or ‘not’. When we add these prefixes to a word, they give its opposite.
Prefixes examples and prefixes rules and tips
-
im– is used before a word beginning with ‘m’ or ‘p’ {e.g. Immature, impatient…}
Adjectives beginning with c usually take the prefix in– {e.g. incorrect…}
-
il– is used before a word beginning with ‘l’ {e.g. illiterate, illegal…}
-
ir– is used before a word beginning with ‘r’ {e.g. irregular, irrelevant…} What does the prefix ir mean? The prefix ir means ‘opposite of’ or ‘not’
-
There are no rules for in– , un– and dis–
- We can also use the prefixes un– and dis– with verbs to form their opposites. (e.g. untie, unfasten, unpack, undo, unlock, undress, disagree, disappear, dislike, disqualify, disobey, disconnect etc.)
- dis meaning (with adjectives, adverbs and nouns): The prefix dis- in adjectives, adverbs and nouns mean ‘not’ or ‘opposite of’ (dishonest, disagreeably, disadvantage)
- in prefix meaning (meaning of the prefix in-) (in prefix): The prefix in means ‘not’ or ‘opposite of’ (in prefix words: incorrect (= not correct), infinite, inaccurate, inactive, inadequate, incapable, incoherent, incomplete, indirect…) (words with the prefix in)
- The prefix of able can be dis-, un– or en-. Here are some examples: disable (verb), unable (adjective), enable (verb).
Prefix video
-
Word formation suffixes
What is a suffix in English? /What does suffix mean? / Suffix meaning formation?
A suffix is the letters or syllables that we add to the end of a word to create new words. Using suffixes to form new words is a good way to enrich your vocabulary.
As we said before, we add prefix or suffix to make new words. Knowing the different suffixes can enable you to guess the meaning of new words and recognize whether the word is a verb, a noun, an adjective, an adverb, etc.
The suffix can change the spelling of the original word. For example, the -e ending of the verb ‘create’ and the adjective ‘wise’ is omitted when the suffix is added.
- Create → creation
- wise→ wisdom
Adding the suffixes change the spelling of the original word.
In the English language, not only do suffixes change the spelling of the original word but they also change the word’s part of speech. For example, the suffix ly changes adjectives to adverbs. (brave (adjective) → bravely (adverb), correct → correctly )
Here is a list of common suffixes (suffixes list/suffix examples)
Suffixes tips:
- The suffix less meaning (less definition): The suffix less means ‘without’.
- al suffix meaning: The suffix al in adjectives means ‘having the quality of’ or ‘connected with’. The suffix al in nouns means ‘the state or process of’
- able suffix meaning: The suffix able means ‘that can or must be’ or ‘having the quality of’
The table below displays more suffixes with meaning and examples (suffix words)
Very Important Related Posts:
How Are Prefixes and Suffixes Alike?
Important Prefixes and Suffixes Exercises with Answers pdf
Prefixes and Suffixes Exercises / Prefixes and suffixes worksheet (Word formation exercises)
In the exercises below, you should add prefixes and suffixes to the words in the sentences so that they are meaningful sentences.
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct prefix. Make any necessary changes
- He has never been to school. He is …………literate. He can’t write and read.
- Male students …………..number female students in rural areas.
- He is so ……..……honest that nobody trusts him.
- My father is ……..…..partial. He does not discriminate between his children.
- I’m sorry to …….…….pronounce your name.
- Children in some African countries are ………..fed. They suffer from hunger.
- China is an………..…populated country. It has over a billion people.
- It is ……….…responsible of some students not to prepare for their exams and resort to cheating.
- Big cities are usually ………………..crowded.
- It’s ………………moral to smoke in class and expose students to danger.
- Most workers are complaining that they are ………………paid.
B. Complete with the right suffixes. Make any necessary changes.
- Georgia is cap……………….of helping you with your problems. Why don’t you ask her to?
- Be care………………! A car is coming.
- The best treat………..……..for obesity is doing sport every day.
- Our factory has installed two video cameras for secure ………………reasons.
- An anonym………………person called me twice last night.
- The belief that things will improve is called optim……….., whereas the belief that things will get worse is called pessim……..
- The legs of these trousers are too long. Could you short…………..them for me, please?
- Don’t be pessimist……..…….. Everything will be all right.
- Could you simple ………..………..your instructions, please?
- Nobody can understand this sentence. It is meaning…………
- Criticize…………………is useful on condition that it is constructive.
- He does exercise every day so as to strength……………his muscles.
- The news of his best friend’s death sad……..….….him.
- I don’t see any similar…………….between the two presidents.
- She works very hard. She has the able…….………to succeed.
- For further inform………..….., contact me on this mobile number.
People who search for word formation, also search for prefixes and suffixes worksheets, prefixes and suffixes pdf, prefixes and suffixes examples, and prefixes and suffixes exercises.
Download prefixes and suffixes worksheet pdf here
Related Posts:
- Start online college today and earn an online degree
- The phrase check for me and other phrases
- Here is a list of words starting in ir (ir words)
- Words with au
- Words that end in i
What are the 10 examples of prefix?
| Prefix | Prefix meaning | Words with prefixes/ examples of prefixes/prefixes examples |
| en- | cause to be/make/put into | enrich, enlarge, encircle, enable, endanger… |
| re- | do again/back | rewrite, reread, resend, readmit, re-advertise, reaffirm… |
| pre- | before/earlier | prehistoric, preplan, pretest… |
| post- | after | postgraduate, post-war, post hoc, posthumous, postmodifier, postmortem… |
| non- | not/ not connected with | non-alcoholic, non-governmental, non-aligned, non-essential… |
| under- | too little/ not enough | undercooked, underpaid, undercharge, underdone, underfed… |
| mis- | wrongly/badly | misunderstand, misbehave, misapply, misdeed… |
| self- | by oneself | self-education, self-analysis, self-confidence, self-assured… |
| multi- | many / more than one | multinational, multimedia, multi-access, multicolored… |
| bi- | twice/ two/double | bilingual, biannual, bicameral, bicycle, biennial… |
| Neo– | Prefix meaning new/recent | neo-Georgian, neo-colonialism, neo-fascist, neoliberal, |
| Tri- | Prefix meaning three | Tricycle, triatomic, triacid, tri-band, tri-focused, tri-camera photography |
Words with Both Prefixes and Suffixes List
Here is a list of words with a prefix and suffix and a root.
- Unhelpful
- undoubtedly
- Unacceptable
- Uninteresting
- Unconsciousness
- Unsuccessful
- Unsuccessfully
- Impossibly
- Antidisestablishmentarianism
- Disrespectful
- Disrespectfully
- Distasteful
- Disconnected
- Disloyalty
- Ilogically
- Nonconformist
- Replacement
- Reappearance
- Immeasureable
Learn English online with Englishdotcom
How are words formed? Are there any rules by which words are formed? Let’s find out. This article will walk you through what word formation is, the various types of word formation and the rules to be adhered to when forming words. The number of examples given will make your learning process more effective and easier. Check it out.
Table of Contents
- What Is Word Formation?
- Types of Word Formation with Examples
- Rules to be Followed When Forming Words
- Test Your Understanding of Word Formation
- Frequently Asked Questions on Word Formation in English
The English language is known for its wonderful quality of the way in which words and sentences are formed and used. Formation of new words from an existing root word by adding a syllable or another word is the general process; however, there are multiple ways in which it can be done.
Types of Word Formation with Examples
The formation of words is classified into four types based on how the process of formation is carried out. They are:
- By adding prefixes
- By adding suffixes
- Converting from one word class to another
- Forming compound words
Let us look at each type of word formation in detail.
Adding Prefixes
The term ‘prefix’ refers to one or more alphabets added to the stem of a word, mostly to make it negative. The most commonly used prefixes include ‘in-’, ‘un-’, ‘dis-’, ‘im-’, ‘ir-’, etc. Look at the examples given below for a clearer understanding of how prefixes are used to form new words.
Examples of Word Formation by the Addition of Prefixes
- Discipline – indiscipline
- Just – unjust
- Tidy – untidy
- Respect – disrespect
- Understand – misunderstand
- Comfortable – uncomfortable
- Comfort – discomfort
- Responsible – irresponsible
- Honest – dishonest
- Happy – unhappy
- Polite – impolite
- Experience – inexperience
- Practical – impractical
- Important – unimportant
- Legal – illegal
- Ethical – unethical
- Potent – impotent
Adding Suffixes
A suffix is a short syllable added at the end of a base word. The addition of suffixes usually changes the word class of the particular word. The most common suffixes include ‘-ment’, ‘-ness’, ‘-ity’, ‘-ous’, ‘-tion’, ‘-sion’, ‘-al’, ‘-able’, ‘-ible’, ‘-ive’, ‘-ly’, ‘-ate’, ‘-er’, ‘-or’, etc. Check out the following examples to see how suffixes are added.
Examples of Word Formation by the Addition of Suffixes
- Comprehend (verb) – comprehension (noun) – comprehensible (adjective)
- Inform (verb) – information (noun) – informative (adjective)
- Invest (verb) – Investment (noun) – Investor (noun)
- Write (verb) – writer (noun)
- Authorise (verb) – authorisation (noun)
- Move (verb) – movement (noun)
- Add (verb) – addition (noun)
- Happy (adjective) – happiness (noun)
- Conserve (verb) – conservation (noun)
- Wide (Adjective) – widen (verb)
- Manage (verb) – manageable (adjective) – manager (noun)
- Courage (noun) – courageous (adjective)
- Brave (adjective) – bravery (noun)
- Profit (noun) – profitable (adjective)
- Quick (adjective) – quickly (adverb)
- Happy (adjective) – happily (adverb)
- Sad (adjective) – sadness (noun)
Conversion
The process of conversion focuses solely on changing the word class of the particular word. If you have noticed, you would have seen how some nouns are used to perform the role of a verb or an adjective acting like a noun just by the addition of another word or slightly altering the spelling of the actual word.
Examples of Word Formation by Conversion
- The rich should help the poor.
Adjectives such as ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ are used as nouns by using them with the article ‘the’.
- Everyone is talented.
‘Talented’ – a past participle is used as an adjective in the above sentence. The word is formed by adding the suffix ‘ed’ to the end of the noun ‘talent’.
- There will definitely be a lot of ups and downs in life.
Prepositions ‘up’ and ‘down’ are used as nouns by adding ‘s’ to the end of it.
- He texted me about the meeting only at the last minute.
The noun ‘text’ used to refer to a text message sent on a phone is used as a verb in the sentence by adding an ‘ed’ to the end of the word.
- The financial aid had to be approved before we could make a decision.
The noun ‘finance’ is used as an adjective by adding ‘ial’ to the end of it and the verb ‘decide’ is used as a noun by removing ‘de’ and adding ‘sion’ to the word.
Forming Compound Words
Compound words are formed by combining one part of speech with another to form a specific word class. There are many ways in which compound words are formed. Verbs are combined with adjectives to form compound verbs, a present participle is combined with a noun to form a compound noun, two nouns are combined to form a compound noun, an adjective and a noun are combined to form a compound noun, an adverb is combined with a noun to form a compound noun, an adjective is combined with a past participle to form a compound adjective and so on. Take a look at the following examples and go through the articles on compound nouns, compound words and compound adjectives to understand how they work.
Examples of Word Formation by Compounding
- Over (adverb) + load (noun) – Overload
- White (adjective) + wash (verb) – Whitewash
- Black (adjective) + board (noun ) – Blackboard
- Cup (noun) + board (noun) – Cupboard
- Short (adjective) + hand (noun) – Shorthand
- Swimming (present participle) + pool (noun) – Swimming pool
- Three (adjective) + legged (past participle) – Three-legged
- Break (verb) + Down (preposition) – Breakdown
- Up (preposition) + town (noun) – Uptown
- Copy (verb) + writer (noun) – Copywriter
- Sun (noun) + rise (verb) – Sunrise
- Count (verb) + down (preposition) – Countdown
- Flash (verb) + mob (noun) – Flash mob
- Master (noun) + piece (noun) – Masterpiece
- Round (adjective) + table (noun) – Round-table
Rules to be Followed When Forming Words
Formation of words can be a very interesting exercise, but you have to be really careful when you are adding inflections or affixes. There are a few things you will need to bear in mind when you are forming words. Take a look at the following points to learn what they are.
- Before making any change to the stem of the word, try to analyse what is the kind of meaning you want the word to convey and what role the word will have to play in the sentence.
- In most cases, the beginning of the base word remains the same. Only when prefixes are added the word has a syllable added to the beginning of it. Notice that even in this case, the word is retained as such.
- When suffixes are added, there are many instances where you will have to remove the last one or more alphabets of the word and add the suffix. However, there are words like ‘movement’ where the suffix is just added without any change in the spelling of the base word.
- Here is one way to easily know which suffix has to be added to form a particular word class – most often, nouns end in ‘er’, ‘or’, ‘ist’, ‘ian’, ‘ion’, ‘ment’, ‘ness’, and ‘ity’; verbs end in ‘ise’, ‘ate’ and ‘en’; adjectives end in ‘able’, ‘ible’, ‘ive’, ‘ic’, ‘ed’, ‘ing’ and ‘al’; and adverbs normally end in ‘ly’.
- When words are formed by conversion, be very careful. Make sure you know that you are converting them accurately and using them in the sentence properly.
- When forming compound words, see to it that you hyphenate them if necessary, use the right combination of words and do not just mix and match any word.
- Changing from one tense to another also can also be considered a type of word formation, as the word is inflected to indicate the twelve different tenses in the English language.
- Forming degrees of comparison can also be put under word formation. In this case, the comparative and superlative degrees are formed by adding ‘er’ and ‘est’ to the end of the adjective. The comparative and superlative degrees of polysyllabic words are formed by using ‘more’ and ‘most’, respectively, along with the adjective.
Test Your Understanding of Word Formation
Exercise 1 – Add Prefixes and Suffixes
Add prefixes and suffixes to the following words.
1. Passion____
2. Remember____
3. ____conscious
4. Sense____
5. ____acceptable
6. Entertain____
7. ____representation
8. Neat____
9. Invent____
10. ____interpret
Answers for Exercise 1
1. Passionate
2. Remembrance
3. Unconscious/Subconscious
4. Sensible/Senseless
5. Unacceptable
6. Entertainment
7. Misrepresentation
8. Neatly/Neatness
9. Invention
10. Misinterpret
Exercise 2 – Conversion of Words
Go through the following words and convert them as directed.
1. Money (convert into adjective)
2. Brave (convert into noun)
3. Clean (convert into noun)
4. Prayer (convert into adjective)
5. Resemblance (convert into verb)
6. Slow (convert into adverb)
7. Treat (convert into noun)
8. Confession (convert into verb)
9. Vary (convert into adjective)
10. Beauty (convert into verb)
Answers for Exercise 2
1. Monetary
2. Bravery
3. Cleanliness
4. Prayerful
5. Resemble
6. Slowly
7. Treatment
8. Confess
9. Various/variable
10. Beautify
Exercise 3 – Form Compound Words
Go through the words in the box given below and use them to form ten compound words.
up, table, spend, load, green, machine, case, make, estimate, over, self
1. _______ confident
2. Washing _______
3. Time _______
4. Under _______
5. _______sufficient
6. Up_______
7. _______set
8. Suit_______
9. _______over
10. _______thrift
Answers for Exercise 3
1. Overconfident
2. Washing machine
3. Timetable
4. Underestimate
5. Self-sufficient
6. Upload
7. Upset
8. Suitcase
9. Makeover
10. Spendthrift
Frequently Asked Questions on Word Formation in English
Q1
What is word formation?
Word formation is the process by which new words are formed by adding an affix, another word or converting from one word class to another by removing and adding alphabets.
Q2
What are the four types of word formation?
The four types of word formation include:
- Addition of prefix
- Addition of suffix
- Conversion from one word class to another
- Forming compound words
Q3
Give some examples of word formation.
Here are some examples of the various types of word formation for your reference:
- Practical – impractical (prefix)
- Purpose – purposeful (suffix)
- Silent – silence (conversion)
- Dining + room – Dining room (compound word)
- Small – smaller – smallest (degrees of comparison)