Words with roots prefixes and suffixes word meaning

120 Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes PDF List

The English language is filled with words borrowed from ancient Greek and Latin, which makes supplementing your instruction with word parts practice that much more critical.  There are countless ways to incorporate word parts into your lesson plans. You may already have a structured plan in place, or you might be testing the waters. Either way, teach your students to be word detectives.  A word detective looks at all the clues to determine a word’s meaning. When students know how to decode large words by identifying root words and affixes, they will be sufficiently prepared to tackle higher level texts. 

The table below lists 120 commonly used Greek and Latin root words, prefixes, and suffixes.  It also includes the meaning of each word part and several example words. It’s a great place to start if you’re interested in adding a regularly scheduled word parts practice to your daily teaching agenda. 

Word Part	Meaning	Example Words
ab	away	absent, abnormal, absorb
ab	away	absent, abnormal, absorb
able/ible	capable of	reversible, breakable, visible
ad	to; toward	adhere, adjoin, adapt
al	having to do with	herbal, factual, seasonal
amb/ambi	around; both	ambient, ambiguous, amble
ante	before	anterior, antebellum, antecedent
anthrop	human	anthropology, misanthrope, philanthropist
anti	against	antibiotic, antisocial, antifreeze
aqu	water	aquarium, aqueduct, aquifer
ast	star	astronomy, astrology, asteroid
aud	hear	audio, audience, auditorium
auto	self	autograph, automobile, autobiography
ben/bene	good	benefit, benign, benevolent
bi	two	bicycle, bilingual, bisect
bio	life	biology, biography, biopsy
cent	hundred	century, percent, centipede
chrono	time	chronic, chronological, chronicle
circum	around	circumvent, circumscribe, circumference
co/con	with; together	construct, collaborate, confer
counter	opposing	counterbalance, counterfiet, counteract
cred	believe	incredible, discredit, credence
cycl	circle	recycle, bicycle, cyclone
dec	ten	decade, decimal, decibel
dem/demo	people	democracy, demographics, epidemic
di/du	two	duet, dissect, dialogue

dia	across; through	dialogue, diameter, diagnosis
dic/dict	speak; say	dictionary, dictate, contradict
dis	not	disagree, disinfect, disobey
ence/ance	state; condition	performance, conference, insurance
equ	equal	equator, equality, equation
ex	former; past	ex-girlfriend, ex-president, ex-mayor
fer	carry	transfer, conifer, aquifer
frac/frag	break	fraction, fragment, fragile
ful	full of	thoughtful, painful, helpful
gen	born	gene, gender, genesis
geo	earth	geology, geode, geography
grad	step	graduation, graduate, gradual
graph	write	paragraph, calligraphy, autograph
hydro/hydra	water	hydrate, hydrogen, hydroplane
hyper	over; beyond	hyperactive, hyperlink, hyperventilate
ian	related to; like	librarian, pedestrian, historian
ic/tic	having to do with	realistic, organic, metallic
ile	related to	reptile, sterile, juvenile
in	not	incapable, incomplete, inaudible
inter	between	internet, intermission, international
intra	within	intrastate, intramural, intrapersonal
ism	condition; belief in	racism, tourism, journalism
ist	person who does	soloist, artist, cyclist
ity	state of being	creativity, disability, equality
ject	throw	eject, reject, interject

junct	join	juncture, junction, adjunct
less	without	homeless, useless, wireless
log	word	monologue, prologue, eulogy
ly	how; how often	quickly, hourly, carefully
magn	large; great	magnify, magnitude, magnificent
mal	bad; evil	malady, malaria, malice
man	hand	manicure, manage, manual
medi	middle	mediocre, medium, medieval
mega	large	megabyte, megaphone, megalith
meter	measure	diameter, perimeter, thermometer
micro	small	microscope, microwave, microbe
min	small	miniature, minute, minimum
mis	wrong	misbehave, misspell, miscount
miss/mit	send	missile, transmit, dismiss
mon/mono	one	monument, monologue, monorail
mort	death	immortal, mortify, mortuary
multi	many	multicolored, multicolored, multigrain
non	not	nonviolent, nonstop, nonfiction
oct/octo	eight	octopus, octagon, octave
ology	study of	biology, zoology, psychology
ortho	straight	orthodontist, orthopedic, orthodox
ous	having	virtuous, adventurous, hazardous
pan	all	panorama, pandemic, pantheon
para	beside; related	parallel, parasite, paramedic
path	disease; feeling	pathogen, psychopath, sympathy

ped	foot	pedal, pedestrian, pedometer
phobia	fear	claustrophobia, hydrophobia, arachnophobia
phon	sound	telephone, saxophone, microphone
photo	light	photon, photography, photosynthesis
phys	body; nature	physician, physical, physique
plex	parts; units	complex, cineplex, duplex
poly	many	polygon, polytheism, polygraph
port	carry	airport, transport, import
pos	put; place	position, compose, deposit
post	after	posterior, postscript, postpone
pre	before	pregame, preview, prepay
psych	mind	psychology, psychic, psychiatrist
quad	four	quadruple, quadrant, quadratic
re	again	rebuild, refund, renew
retro	back; backwards	retrospect, retroactive, retrograde
rupt	break	disrupt, interrupt, erupt
scope	look; see	periscope, telescope, microscope
script/scrib	write	scribble, prescribe, manuscript
sect	cut	section, dissect, intersect
semi	half	semicircle, semifinal, semicolon
sens/sent	to feel	sentimental, sensitive, consent
soci	people	sociology, social, associate
sol	alone	solo, solitary, desolate
spec	see	inspect, spectacle, spectator
spir	breathe	conspire, inspire, respiratory
struct	build	construction, structure, instruct
sub	under	subway, submarine, subtitle
super	over; greater	superior, supervisor, superimpose
syn/sym	with; together	sympathy, synonym, symptom
tech	craft; skill	technique, technology, technician
tele	far	television, telephone, telescope
terr/terra	land; earth	terrain, terrace, territory
the/theo	god	theology, monotheism, polytheism
therm	heat	thermometer, thermos, hypothermia
tion	action; state of being	infection, addition, celebration
tract	drag; pull	attract, subtract, contraction
trans	across; through	transform, transaction, translate
tri	three	tripod, tricycle, triple
un	not	unhappy, unhealthy, unsafe
uni	one	unicycle, uniform, united
vac	empty	vacuum, vacant, evacuate
ven	come	prevent, venue, invent
vert/vers	turn	conversation, introvert, reverse
vid/vis	see	visible, video, television
zoo	animal	zoology, zookeeper, zoo

FREE! 120 Commonly Used Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Success! The list of 120 word parts, meanings, and example words is in your inbox!
If you don’t see it, check your spam/junk folder.

Brooke Khan, M.A.Ed2021-12-30T08:46:49+00:00

Many words in the English language are formed by taking base words or root words and adding combinations of prefixes and suffixes to them.

A root word is the primary form of a word. While root words may contain the core meaning of the word, they cannot stand alone. For example, “bene” is the root in the word “beneficial.”

A base word is slightly different from a root because a base is the basic form of a word that can stand on its own. For example, “commit” is the base in the word “commitment.” To differentiate the two, just remember that a base can have affixes attached to it, but it does not have to; a root must have an affix (prefix or suffix), or another root, attached to it in order to make it a whole word. 

A prefix is a word part that is placed at the beginning of a word to change or enhance its meaning. For example, “dis—” is the prefix of the word “disagree.”

A suffix is a word part that is placed at the end of a word to change or enhance its meaning. For example, “—ful” is the suffix of the word “thankful.”

Most English words are actually derivatives of ancient Greek and Latin words. Knowing Greek and Latin roots is an essential reading comprehension strategy for students because they could determine the meaning of an unknown word if they were familiar with any of the prefixes, suffixes, or root words attached to it. When context clues fail, breaking down words into their smallest parts can ensure your students will be successful.

 For example, students might not know what the word “contradict” means, but if they know that “contra” means against and “dict” means speak, they can determine that contradict means: to assert the opposite against what someone has said. Another example is the word “incredulous.” If students know that “in” means not, “cred” means believe, and “ous” means  having, then they could conclude incredulous means: not having a readiness to believe things easily.

Greek and Latin word parts are a tool you want your students to have in their academic tool belt because having a strong vocabulary helps students tremendously with reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Below you can find a FREE, downloadable copy of the 300 most commonly used Greek and Latin root words, suffixes, and prefixes. You can choose particular word parts from the list below to use in your classroom or provide students with this comprehensive list to keep for reference. 

Root, Prefix or Suffix Meaning Examples a, ac, ad, af, ag, al, an, ap, as, at to, toward, near, in addition to, by aside, accompany, adjust, aggression, allocate, annihilate, affix, associate, attend, adverb a-, an- not, without apolitical, atheist, anarchy, anonymous, apathy, aphasia, anemia ab, abs away from, off absolve, abrupt, absent -able, -ible Adjective: worth, ability solvable, incredible acer, acid, acri bitter, sour, sharp acerbic, acidity, acrid, acrimony act, ag do, act, drive active, react, agent, active, agitate acu sharp acute, acupuncture, accurate -acy, -cy Noun: state or quality privacy, infancy, adequacy, intimacy, supremacy -ade act, product, sweet drink blockade, lemonade aer, aero air, atmosphere, aviation aerial, aerosol, aerodrome ag, agi, ig, act do, move, go agent, agenda, agitate, navigate, ambiguous, action -age Noun: activity, or result of action courage, suffrage, shrinkage, tonnage agri, agro pertaining to fields or soil agriculture, agroindustry -al Noun: action, result of action referral, disavowal, disposal, festival -al, -ial, -ical Adjective: quality, relation structural, territorial, categorical alb, albo white, without pigment albino, albite ali, allo, alter other alias, alibi, alien, alloy, alter, alter ego, altruism alt high, deep altimeter, altitude am, ami, amor love, like, liking amorous, amiable, amicable, enamoured ambi both ambidextrous ambul to walk ambulatory, amble, ambulance, somnambulist -an Noun: person artisan, guardian, historian, magician ana, ano up, back, again, anew anode, anagram, anagenetic -ance, -ence Noun: action, state, quality or process resistance, independence, extravagance, fraudulence -ancy, -ency Noun: state, quality or capacity vacancy, agency, truancy, latency andr, andro male, characteristics of men androcentric, android ang angular angle anim mind, life, spirit, anger animal, animate, animosity ann, annu, enni yearly annual, annual, annuity, anniversary, perrenial -ant, -ent Noun: an agent, something that performs the action disinfectant, dependent, fragrant -ant, -ent, -ient Adjective: kind of agent, indication important, dependent, convenient ante before anterior, anteroom, antebellum, antedate, antecedent antediluvian anthrop man anthropology, misanthrope, philanthropy anti, ant against, opposite antisocial, antiseptic, antithesis, antibody, antinomies, antifreeze, antipathy anti, antico old antique, antiquated, antiquity apo, ap, aph away from, detached, formed apology, apocalypse, aphagia aqu water aqueous -ar, -ary Adjective: resembling, related to spectacular, unitary arch chief, first, rule archangel, architect, archaic, monarchy, matriarchy, patriarchy, Archeozoic era -ard, -art Noun: characterized braggart, drunkard, wizard aster, astr star aster, asterisk, asteroid, astronomy, astronaut -ate Noun: state, office, fuction candidate, electorate, delegate -ate Verb: cause to be graduate, ameliorate, amputate, colligate -ate Adjective: kind of state inviolate -ation Noun: action, resulting state specialization, aggravation, alternation auc, aug, aut to originate, to increase augment , author, augment, auction aud, audi, aur, aus to hear, listen audience, audio, audible, auditorium, audiovisual, audition, auricular, ausculate aug, auc increase augur, augment, auction aut, auto self automobile, automatic, automotive, autograph, autonomous, autoimmune bar weight, pressure barometer be on, around, over, about, excessively, make, cause, name, affect berate, bedeck, bespeak, belittle, beleaguer belli war rebellion, belligerent, casus belli, bellicose bene good, well, gentle benefactor, beneficial, benevolent, benediction, beneficiary, benefit bi, bine two biped, bifurcate, biweekly, bivalve, biannual bibl, bibli, biblio book bibliophile, bibliography, Bible bio, bi life biography, biology, biometricsm biome, biosphere brev short abbreviate, brevity, brief cad, cap, cas, ceiv, cept, capt, cid, cip to take, to seize, to hold receive, deceive, capable, capacious, captive, accident, capture, occasion, concept, intercept, forceps, except, reciprocate cad, cas to fall cadaver, cadence, cascade -cade procession motorcade calor heat calorie, caloric, calorimeter capit, capt head decapitate, capital, captain, caption carn flesh carnivorous, incarnate, reincarnation, carnal cat, cata, cath down, with catalogue, category, catheter caus, caut burn, heat caustic, cauldron, cauterize cause, cuse, cus cause, motive because, excuse, accusation ceas, ced, cede, ceed, cess to go, to yield, move, go, surrender succeed, proceed, precede, recede, secession, exceed, succession cent hundred centennial, century, centipede centr, centri center eccentricity, centrifugal, concentric, eccentric chrom color chrome, chromosome, polychrome, chromatic chron time chronology, chronic, chronicle chronometer, anachronism, synchronize cide, cis, cise to kill, to cut, cut down fratricide, homicide, incision, incision, circumcision, scissors circum around circumnavigate, circumflex, circumstance, circumcision, circumference, circumorbital, circumlocution, circumvent, circumscribe, circulatory cit call, start incite, citation, cite civ citizen civic, civil, civilian, civilization clam, claim cry out exclamation, clamor, proclamation, reclamation, acclaim clin lean, bend decline, aclinic, inclination clud, clus claus to close, shut include, exclude, clause, claustrophobia, enclose, exclusive, reclusive, conclude co, cog, col, coll, con, com, cor with, together cohesiveness, cognate, collaborate, convene, commitment, compress, contemporary, converge, compact, confluence, convenient, concatenate, conjoin, combine, correct cogn, gnos to know recognize, cognizant, diagnose, agnostic, incognito, prognosis com, con fully complete, compel, conscious, condense, confess, confirm contr, contra, counter against, opposite contradict, counteract, contravene, contrary, counterspy, contrapuntal cord, cor, cardi heart cordial, concord, discord, courage, encourage corp body corporation, corporal punishment, corpse, corpulent, corpus luteum cort correct escort, cortage cosm universe, world cosmos, microcosm, cosmopolitan, cosmonaut cour, cur, curr, curs run, course occur, excursion, discourse, courier, course crat, cracy rule autocrat, aristocrat, theocracy, technocracy cre, cresc, cret, crease grow create, crescent, accretion, increase crea create creature, recreation, creation cred believe creed, credo, credence, credit, credulous, incredulous, incredible cresc, cret, crease, cru rise, grow crescendo, concrete, increase, decrease, accrue crit separate, choose critical, criterion, hypocrite cur, curs run current, concurrent, concur, incur, recur, occur, courier, precursor, cursive cura care curator, curative, manicure cycl, cyclo wheel, circle, circular Cyclops, unicycle, bicycle, cyclone, cyclic de- from, down, away, to do the opposite, reverse, against detach, deploy, derange, decrease, deodorize, devoid, deflate, degenerate dec, deca ten, ten times decimal, decade, decalogue, decimate, decathlon dec, dign suitable decent decorate dignity dei, div God divinity, divine, deity, divination, deify dem, demo people, populace, population democracy, demography, demagogue, epidemic dent, dont tooth dental, denture, orthodontist, periodontal derm skin, covering hypodermic, dermatology, epidermis, taxidermy di-, dy- two, twice, double divide, diverge, diglycerides dia through, across, between diameter, diagonal, dialogue dialect, dialectic, diagnosis, diachronic dic, dict, dit say, speak dictation, dictionary, dictate, dictator, Dictaphone, edict, predict, verdict, contradict, benediction dis, dif not, opposite of, reverse, separate, deprive of, away dismiss, differ, disallow, disperse, dissuade, divide, disconnect, disproportion, disrespect, distemper, disarray dit give credit, audit doc, doct teach, prove docile, doctor, doctrine, document, dogma, indoctrinate domin master, that which is under control dominate, dominion, predominant, domain don give donate, condone dorm sleep dormant, dormitory dox thought, opinion, praise orthodox, heterodox, paradox, doxology -drome run, step syndrome, aerodrome, velodrome duc, duct to lead, pull produce, abduct, product, transducer, viaduct, aqueduct, induct, deduct, reduce, induce dura hard, lasting durable, duration, endure dynam power dynamo, dynamic, dynamite, hydrodynamics dys- bad, abnormal, difficult, impaired, unfavorable dysfunctional, dyslexia, dyspathy e- not, missing, out, fully, away, computer network related emit, embed, eternal,ether, erase, email, e-tailer ec- out of, outside echo, eclipse, eclectic, ecesis, ecstasy, exzema eco- household, environment, relating to ecology or economy ecology, economize, ecospheres, ecomanagement ecto- outside, external ectomorph, ectoderm, ectoplasm -ed Verb: past tense dressed, faded, patted, closed, introduced -ed Adjective: having the quality or characteristics of winged, moneyed, dogged, tiered -en Verb: to cause to become lengthen, moisten, sharpen -en Adjective: material golden, woolen, silken en-, em- put into, make, provide with, surround with enamor, embolden, enslave, empower, entangle -ence, -ency Noun: action or process, quality or state reference, emergency, dependence, eminence, latency end- inside, within endorse, endocardial, endergonic, endoskeleton, endoscope, endogenous epi- upon, close to, over, after, altered epicenter, epicarp, epilogue, epigone, epidiorite equi- equal equidistant, equilateral, equilibrium, equinox, equation, equator -er, -ier Adjective: comparative better, brighter, sooner, hotter, happier -er, -or Noun: person or thing that does something flyer, reporter, player, member, fryer, collector, concentrator -er, -or Verb: action ponder, dishonor, clamor erg work, effect energy, erg, allergy, ergometer, ergograph, ergophobia -ery collective qualities, art, practice, trade, collection, state, condition snobbery, bakery, geenery, gallery, slavery -es, -ies Noun: plural of most nouns ending in -ch, -s, -sh, -o and -z and some in -f and -y passes, glasses, ladies, heroes -es, -ies Verb: third person singular present indicative of verbs that end in -ch, -s, -sh, — and some in -y blesses, hushes, fizzes, defies -ess female actress, goddess, poetess -est, -iest Adjective or Adverb: superlative latest, strongest, luckiest, lyingest ev-, et- time, age medieval, eternal ex- out of, away from, lacking, former exit, exhale, exclusive, exceed, explosion, ex-mayor exter-, extra-, extro- outside of, beyond external, extrinsic, extraordinary, extrapolate, extraneous, extrovert fa, fess speak fable, fabulous, fame, famous, confess, profess fac, fact, fec, fect, fic, fas, fea do, make difficult, fashion, feasible, feature, factory, fact, effect, manufacture, amplification, confection fall, fals deceive fallacy, falsify, fallacious femto quadrillionth femtosecond fer bear, carry ferry, coniferous, fertile, defer, infer, refer, transfer fic, feign, fain, fit, feat shape, make, fashion fiction, faint, feign fid belief, faith confide, diffident, fidelity fid, fide, feder faith, trust confidante, fidelity, confident, infidelity, infidel, federal, confederacy, semper fi fig shape, form figurem, effigy, figure, figment fila, fili thread filigree, filament, filter, filet, filibuster fin end, ended, finished final, finite, finish, confine, fine, refine, define, finale fix repair, attach fix, fixation, fixture, affix, prefix, suffix flex, flect bend flex, reflex, flexible, flexor, inflexibility, reflect, deflect,circumflex flict strike affliction, conflict, inflict flu, fluc, fluv, flux flow influence, fluid, flue, flush, fluently, fluctuate, reflux, influx -fold Adverb: in a manner of, marked by fourfold for, fore before forecast, fortune, foresee forc, fort strength, strong effort, fort, forte, fortifiable, fortify, forte, fortitude form shape, resemble form, format, conform, formulate, perform, formal, formula fract, frag, frai break fracture, infraction, fragile, fraction, refract, frail fuge flee subterfuge, refuge, centrifuge -ful Noun: an amount or quanity that fills mouthful -ful Adjective: having, giving, marked by fanciful fuse pour confuse, transfuse -fy make, form into falsify, dandify gam marriage bigamy, monogamy, polygamy gastr, gastro stomach gastric, gastronomic, gastritis, gastropod gen kind generous gen birth, race, produce genesis, genetics, eugenics, genealogy, generate, genetic, antigen, pathogen geo earth geometry, geography, geocentric, geology germ vital part germination, germ, germane gest carry, bear congest, gestation giga billion gigabyte, gigaflop gin careful gingerly gloss, glot tongue glossary, polyglot, epiglottis glu, glo lump, bond, glue glue, agglutinate, conglomerate gor to gather, to bring together category, categorize grad, gress, gree to gather, to bring together, step, go grade, degree, progress, gradual, graduate, egress graph, gram, graf write, written, draw graph, graphic, autograph, photography, graphite, telegram, polygraph, grammar, biography, lithograph, graphic grat pleasing congratulate, gratuity, grateful, ingrate grav heavy, weighty grave, gravity, aggravate, gravitate greg herd gregarious, congregation, segregate, gregarian hale, heal make whole, sound inhale, exhale, heal, healthy, healthiness helio sun heliograph, heliotrope, heliocentric hema, hemo blood hemorrhage, hemoglobin, hemophilia, hemostat her, here, hes stick adhere, cohere, cohesion, inherent, hereditary, hesitate hetero other, different heterodox, heterogeneous, heterosexual, heterodyne hex, ses, sex six hexagon, hexameter, sestet, sextuplets homo same homogenize, homosexual, homonym, homophone hum, human earth, ground, man humus, exhume, humane hydr, hydra, hydro water dehydrate, hydrant, hydraulic, hydraulics, hydrogen, hydrophobia hyper over, above hyperactive, hypertensive, hyperbolic, hypersensitive, hyperventilate, hyperkinetic hypn sleep hypnosis, hypnotherapy -ia Noun: names, diseases phobia -ian, an Noun: related to, one that is pedestrian, human -iatry Noun: art of healing psychiatry -ic Adjective: quality, relation generic -ic, ics Noun: related to the arts and sciences arithmetic, economics -ice Noun: act malice -ify Verb: cause specify ignis fire ignite, igneous, ignition -ile Adjective: having the qualities of projectile in, im into, on, near, towards instead, import in, im, il, ir not illegible, irresolute, inaction, inviolate, innocuous, intractable, innocent, impregnable, impossible, imposter infra beneath infrared, infrastructure -ing Noun: material made for, activity, result of an activity flooring, swimming, building -ing Verb: present participle depicting -ing Adjective: activity cohering inter between, among international, intercept, interject, intermission, internal, intermittent, intra within, during, between layers, underneath intramural, intranet, intranatal intro into, within, inward interoffice, introvert, introspection, introduce -ion Noun: condition or action abduction -ish Adjective: having the character of newish -ism Noun: doctrine, belief, action or conduct formalism -ist Noun: person or member podiatrist -ite Noun: state or quality graphite -ity, ty Noun: state or quality lucidity, novelty -ive Noun: condition native -ive, -ative, -itive Adjective: having the quality of festive, cooperative, sensitive -ize Verb: cause fantasize jac, ject throw reject, eject, project, trajectory, interject, dejected, inject, ejaculate, adjacent join, junct join adjoining, enjoin, juncture, conjunction, injunction, conjunction judice judge prejudice jug, junct, just to join junction, adjust, conjugal juven young juvenile, rejuvenate labor work laborious, belabor lau, lav, lot, lut wash launder, lavatory, lotion, ablution, dilute lect, leg, lig choose, gather, select, read collect, legible, eligible leg law legal, legislate, legislature, legitimize -less Adjective: without, missing motiveless levi light alleviate, levitate, levity lex, leag, leg law legal, college, league liber, liver free liberty, liberal, liberalize, deliverance lide strike collide, nuclide liter letters literary, literature, literal, alliteration, obliterate loc, loco place, area location, locally, locality, allocate, locomotion log, logo, ology word, study, say, speech, reason, study catalog, prologue, dialogue, zoology, logo loqu, locut talk, speak eloquent, loquacious, colloquial, circumlocution luc, lum, lun, lus, lust light translucent, luminary, luster, luna, illuminate, illustrate lude play prelude -ly Adverb: in the manner of fluently macr-, macer lean emaciated, meager magn great magnify, magnificent, magnanimous, magnate, magnitude, magnum main strength, foremost mainstream, mainsail, domain, remain mal bad, badly malformation, maladjusted, dismal, malady, malcontent,malfunction, malfeasance, maleficent man, manu hand, make, do manual, manage, manufacture, manacle, manicure, manifest, maneuver, emancipate, management mand command mandatory, remand, mandate mania madness mania, maniac, kleptomania, pyromania mar, mari, mer sea, pool marine, marsh, maritime, mermaid matri mother matrimony, maternal, matriarchate, matron medi half, middle, between, halfway mediate, medieval, Mediterranean, mediocre, medium mega great, million megaphone, megaton, megaflop, megalomaniac, megabyte, megalopolis mem recall, remember memo, commemoration, memento, memoir, memorable ment mind mental, mention -ment Noun: condition or result document meso middle mesomorph, mesoamerica, mesosphere meta beyond, change metaphor, metamorphosis, metabolism, metahistorical, metainformation meter measure meter, voltammeter, barometer, thermometer metr admeasure, apportion metrics, asymmetric, parametric, telemetry micro small, millionth microscope, microfilm, microcard, microwave, micrometer, microvolt migra wander migrate, emigrant, immigrate mill, kilo thousand millennium, kilobyte, kiloton milli thousandth millisecond, milligram, millivolt min little, small minute, minor, minuscule mis wrong, bad, badly misconduct, misinform, misinterpret, mispronounce, misnomer, mistake, misogynist mit, miss send emit, remit, submit, admit, commit, permit, transmit, omit, intermittent, mission, missile mob, mov, mot move motion, remove, mobile, motor mon warn, remind monument, admonition, monitor, premonition mono one monopoly, monotype, monologue, mononucleosis, monorail, monotheist, mor, mort mortal, death mortal, immortal, mortality, mortician, mortuary morph shape, form amorphous, dimorphic, metamorphosis, morphology, polymorphic, morpheme, amorphous multi many, much multifold, multilingual, multiped, multiply, multitude, multipurpose, multinational nano billionth nanosecond, nanobucks nasc, nat, gnant, nai to be born nascent, native, pregnant, naive nat, nasc to be from, to spring forth innate, natal, native, renaissance neo new Neolithic, nuveau riche, neologism, neophyte, neonate -ness Noun: state, condition, quality kindness neur nerve neuritis, neuropathic, neurologist, neural, neurotic nom law, order autonomy, astronomy, gastronomy, economy nom, nym name nominate, synonym nomen, nomin name nomenclature, nominate, ignominious non nine nonagon non not nonferrous, nonsense, nonabrasive, nondescript nov new novel, renovate, novice, nova, innovate nox, noc night nocturnal, equinox, noctilucent numer number numeral, numeration, enumerate, innumerable numisma coin numismatics ob, oc, of, op toward, against, in the way oppose, occur, offer, obtain oct eight octopus, octagon, octogenarian, octave oligo few, little Oligocene, oligosaccharide, oligotrophic, oligarchy omni all, every omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, omnivorous onym name anonymous, pseudonym, antonym, synonym oper work operate, cooperate, opus -or Noun: condition or activity valor, honor, humor, minor ortho straight, correct orthodox, orthodontist, orthopedic, unorthodox -ory Noun: place for, serves for territory, rectory -ous, -eous, -ose, -ious Adjective: having the quality of, relating to adventurous, courageous, verbose, fractious over excessive, above overwork, overall, overwork pac peace pacifist, pacify, pacific ocean pair, pare arrange, assemblage, two repair, impair, compare, prepare paleo old Paleozoic, Paleolithic, paleomagnetism, paleopsychology pan all Pan-American, pan-African, panacea, pandemonium (place of all the demons), para beside paradox, paraprofessional, paramedic, paraphrase, parachute pat, pass, path feel, suffer patient, passion, sympathy, pathology pater, patr father paternity, patriarch, patriot, patron, patronize path, pathy feeling, suffering pathos, sympathy, antipathy, apathy, telepathy ped, pod foot pedal, impede, pedestrian, centipede, tripod, podiatry, antipode, podium pedo child orthopedic, pedagogue, pediatrics pel, puls drive, push, urge compel, dispel, expel, repel, propel, pulse, impulse, pulsate, compulsory, expulsion, repulsive pend, pens, pond hang, weigh pendant, pendulum, suspend, appendage, pensive, append per through, intensive persecute, permit, perspire, perforate, persuade peri around periscope, perimeter, perigee, periodontal phage eat macrophage, bacteriophage phan, phas, phen, fan, phant, fant show, make visible phantom, fantasy phe speak blaspheme, cipher, phenomenon, philosopher phil love philosopher, philanthropy, philharmonic, bibliophile phlegma inflammation phlegm, phlegmatic phobia, phobos fear phobia, claustrophobia, acrophobia, aquaphobia, ergophobia, homophobia phon sound telephone, phonics, phonograph, phonetic, homophone, microphone, symphony, euphonious phot, photo light photograph, photoelectric, photogenic, photosynthesis, photon pico trillionth picofarad, picocurie, picovolt pict paint, show, draw picture, depict plac, plais please placid, placebo, placate, complacent pli, ply fold reply, implicate, ply plore cry out, wail implore, exploration, deploring plu, plur, plus more plural, pluralist, plus pneuma, pneumon breath pneumatic, pneumonia, pod foot, feet podiatry, tripod poli city metropolis, police, politics, Indianapolis, megalopolis, acropolis poly many polytheist, polygon, polygamy, polymorphous pon, pos, pound place, put postpone, component, opponent, proponent, expose, impose, deposit, posture, position, expound, impound pop people population, populous, popular port carry porter, portable, transport, report, export, import, support, transportation portion part, share portion, proportion post after, behind postpone, postdate pot power potential, potentate, impotent pre, pur before precede prehendere seize, grasp apprehend, comprehend, comprehensive, prehensile prin, prim, prime first primacy, prima donna, primitive, primary, primal, primeval, prince, principal pro for, foward propel proto first prototype, protocol, protagonist, protozoan, Proterozoic, protoindustrial psych mind, soul psyche, psychiatry, psychology, psychosis punct point, dot punctual, punctuation, puncture, acupuncture, punctuation pute think dispute, computer quat, quad four quadrangle, quadruplets quint, penta five quintet, quintuplets, pentagon, pentane, pentameter quip ship equip, equipment quir, quis, quest, quer seek, ask query, inquire, exquisite, quest re back, again report, realign, retract, revise, regain reg, recti straighten regiment, regular, rectify, correct, direct, rectangle retro backwards retrorocket, retrospect, retrogression, retroactive ri, ridi, risi laughter deride, ridicule, ridiculous, derision, risible rog, roga ask prerogative, interrogation, derogatory rupt break rupture, interrupt, abrupt, disrupt, ruptible sacr, sanc, secr sacred sacred, sacrosanct, sanction, consecrate, desecrate salv, salu safe, healthy salvation, salvage, salutation sanct holy sanctify, sanctuary, sanction, sanctimonious, sacrosanct sat, satis enough satient, saturate, satisfy sci, scio, scientia know science, conscious, omniscient, cognocienti scope see, watch telescope, microscope, kaleidoscope, periscope, stethoscope scrib, script write scribe, scribble, inscribe, describe, subscribe, prescribe, manuscript se apart, move away from secede sect, sec cut intersect, transect, dissect, secant, section sed, sess, sid sit sediment, session, obsession, possess, preside, president, reside, subside semi half, partial semifinal, semiconscious, semiannual, semimonthly, semicircle sen, scen old, grow old senior, senator, senile, senescence, evanescent sent, sens feel, think sentiment, consent, resent, dissent, sentimental, sense, sensation, sensitive, sensory, dissension sept seven septet, septennial sequ, secu, sue follow sequence, consequence, sequel, subsequent, prosecute, consecutive, second, ensue, pursue serv save, serve, keep servant, service, subservient, servitude, preserve, conserve, reservation, deserve, conservation, observe -ship Noun: status, condition relationship, friendship sign, signi sign, mark, seal signal, signature, design, insignia, significant simil, simul like, resembling similar, assimilate, simulate, simulacrum, simultaneous sist, sta, stit stand, withstand, make up assist, insist, persist, circumstance, stamina, status, state, static, stable, stationary, substitute soci to join, companions sociable, society sol, solus alone solo, soliloquy, solitaire, solitude, solitary, isolate solv, solu, solut loosen, explain solvent, solve, absolve, resolve, soluble, solution, resolution, resolute, dissolute, absolution somn sleep insomnia, somnambulist soph wise sophomore (wise fool), philosophy, sophisticated spec, spect, spi, spic look, see specimen, specific, spectator, spectacle, aspect, speculate, inspect, respect, prospect, retrospective, introspective, expect, conspicuous sper render favorable prosper sphere ball, sphere sphere, stratosphere, hemisphere, spheroid spir breath spirit, conspire, inspire, aspire, expire, perspire, respiration stand, stant, stab, stat, stan, sti, sta, st, stead stand stature, establish, stance -ster person mobster, monster strain, strict, string, stige bind, pull, draw tight stringent, strict, restrict, constrict, restrain, boa constrictor stru, struct, stroy, stry build construe, structure, construct, instruct, obstruct, destruction, destroy, industry, ministry sub, suc, suf, sup, sur, sus under, below, from, secretly, instead of sustain, survive, support, suffice, succeed, submerge, submarine, substandard, subnormal, subvert sume, sump take, use, waste consume, assume, sump, presumption super, supra over, above superior, suprarenal, superscript, supernatural, superimpose, supercede syn, sym together, at the same time sympathy, synthesis, synchronous, syndicate tact, tang, tag, tig, ting touch tactile, contact, intact, intangible, tangible, contagious, contiguous, contingent tain, ten, tent, tin hold, keep, have retain, continue, content, tenacious tect, teg cover detect, protect, tegular, tegument tele distance, far, from afar telephone, telegraph, telegram, telescope, television, telephoto, telecast, telepathy, telepathy tem, tempo time tempo, temporary, extemporaneously, contemporary, pro tem, temporal ten, tin, tain hold tenacious, tenant, tenure, untenable, detention, retentive, content, pertinent, continent, obstinate, contain, abstain, pertain, detain tend, tent, tens stretch, strain tendency, extend, intend, contend, pretend, superintend, tender, extent, tension, pretense tera trillion terabyte, teraflop term end, boundary, limit exterminate, terminal terr, terra earth terrain, terrarium, territory, terrestrial test to bear witness testament, detest, testimony, attest, testify the, theo God, a god monotheism, polytheism, atheism, theology therm heat thermometer, theorem, thermal, thermos bottle, thermostat, hypothermia thesis, thet place, put antithesis, hypothesis, synthesis, epithet tire draw, pull attire, retire, entire tom cut atom (not cutable), appendectomy, tonsillectomy, dichotomy, anatomy tor, tors, tort twist torture, retort, extort, distort, contort, torsion, tortuous, torturous tox poison toxic, intoxicate, antitoxin tract, tra, trai, treat drag, draw, pull attract, tractor, traction, extract, retract, protract, detract, subtract, contract, intractable trans across, beyond, change transform, transoceanic, transmit, transportation, transducer tri three tripod, triangle, trinity, trilateral trib pay, bestow tribute, contribute, attribute, retribution, tributary tribute give contribute, distribute, tributary turbo disturb turbulent, disturb, turbid, turmoil typ print type, prototype, typical, typography, typewriter, typology, typify ultima last ultimate, ultimatum umber, umbraticum shadow umbra, penumbra, (take) umbrage, adumbrate un not, against, opposite unceasing, unequal uni one uniform, unilateral, universal, unity, unanimous, unite, unison, unicorn -ure Noun: act, condition, process, function exposure, conjecture, measure vac empty vacate, vacuum, evacuate, vacation, vacant, vacuous vade go evade, invader vale, vali, valu strength, worth equivalent, valiant, validity, evaluate, value, valor veh, vect to carry vector, vehicle, convection, vehement ven, vent come convene, intervene, venue, convenient, avenue, circumvent, invent, convent, venture, event, advent, prevent ver, veri true very, aver, verdict, verity, verify, verisimilitude verb, verv word verify, veracity, verbalize, verve vert, vers turn, change convert, revert, advertise, versatile, vertigo, invert, reversion, extravert, introvert, diversion, introvert, convertible, reverse, controversy vi way viable, vibrate, vibrant vic, vicis change, substitute vicarious, vicar, vicissitude vict, vinc conquer victor, evict, convict, convince, invincible vid, vis see video, evident, provide, providence, visible, revise, supervise, vista, visit, vision, review, indivisible viv, vita, vivi alive, life revive, survive, vivid, vivacious, vitality, vivisection, vital, vitamins, revitalize voc, voke call vocation, avocation, convocation, invocation, evoke, provoke, revoke, advocate, provocative, vocal vol will malevolent, benevolent, volunteer, volition volcan fire volcano, vulcanize, Vulcan volv, volt, vol turn about, roll revolve, voluble, voluminous, convolution, revolt, evolution vor eat greedily voracious, carnivorous, herbivorous, omnivorous, devour -ward Adverb: in a direction or manner homeward -wise Adverb: in the manner of, with regard to timewise, clockwise, bitwise with against withhold, without, withdraw, forthwith -y Noun: state, condition, result of an activity society, victory -y Adjective: marked by, having hungry, angry, smeary, teary zo animal zoo (zoological garden), zoology, zodiac, protozoan

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