Word Building

C1 ​WORD FORMATION

prefixes, suffixes and internal changes

Basic changes: prefixes and suffixes

The most common changes in word formation involve the use of prefixes (before the word) and suffixes (after the word). These changes can result in a change of word type (eg. noun-verb --> priority-prioritize) or in an alteration of the meaning of the word (eg. positive adj-negative adj --> practical-impractical).

For example:

multitask, unimportant, overcome, underestimate, unusual

employer, interviewee, reasonable, naturally, realism

Multiple Choice

What type of change is this?

HELP - HELPFUL

• word type

• meaning

Multiple Choice

What type of change is this?

TRAINER - TRAINEE

• word type

• meaning

Multiple Choice

What type of change is this?

ARROGANCE - ARROGANT

• type of word

• meaning

Other changes: internal changes

Other words suffer from internal changes in which letters within the word change. Other times, the final -e is dropped and a suffix is added.

For example:

pride - proud, long - length, blood - bleed

advise - advisory, versatile - versatility

life - live - lively