Prefixes Suffixes

Prefixes Suffixes

Middle School

What Are Prefixes and Suffixes?

• A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word.
• A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.
• We add prefixes and suffixes to a main word, called a root word.
• Adding them changes the meaning of the original root word.
• They help us understand new words and build our vocabulary.

Learning Objectives

• Identify prefixes and suffixes and learn how they change a word’s meaning.
• Apply this knowledge to break down unfamiliar words into their smaller parts.
• Use word parts to determine the meaning of new or difficult words.
• Understand how this skill makes you a stronger reader and writer.
• Unlock the meanings of thousands of new words by using this strategy.

Introduction to Prefixes and Suffixes

• Prefixes and suffixes are word parts that attach to a base word.
• A prefix is a word part added to the front of a word.
• For example, adding 're-' to 'play' makes the new word 'replay'.
• A suffix is a word part added to the end of a word.
• For example, adding '-ful' to 'hope' makes the new word 'hopeful'.
• They help you understand the meaning of new and longer words.

Let's Learn with an Example

• Let's look at the word: unexpected.
• The base word is expect, meaning to think something will happen.
• The prefix un- means "not," just like in the word "unhappy."
• The suffix -ed means that something has happened in the past.
• Putting it together: un (not) + expect + ed (in the past).
• So, "unexpected" is something that you did not think would happen.

Lets Practice Together

Multiple Choice

In the word 'reread,' what does the prefix 're-' mean?

• to do again

• before

• not

• full of

Lets give it
a Try

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Multiple Choice

Which word contains a suffix that means 'someone who does something'?

• teacher

• joyful

• kindness

• running

Multiple Choice

The word 'disagreement' means 'a lack of harmony or consensus.' Knowing this, what does the prefix 'dis-' likely mean?

• not or opposite of

• before

• over

• under

Summary

• A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a base word.
• A suffix is a word part added to the end of a base word.
• Prefixes and suffixes change the meaning of the base word.
• This helps you figure out the meaning of new words.
• Practice finding these word parts to become a better reader.