Prefixes are word parts added to the beginning of a base word. Suffixes are word parts added to the end of a base word. Both can change the meaning of the base word.
Look carefully: A prefix comes at the front, and a suffix comes at the end.
Prefixes and suffixes help writers and readers understand and create new words. They add meaning and make language more precise.
Adding a prefix or suffix changes the meaning. Always check what the new word means in the sentence.
Prefixes change the meaning of a base word. Here are some you will see often:
When you see a prefix, think: “What does this add to the meaning of the word?”
Suffixes also change meaning, often showing a job, state, or quality. Here are some common suffixes:
A suffix can change a noun into a person or describe how much of something there is.
When you know prefixes and suffixes, you can figure out the meaning of many new words. This makes reading and writing easier and stronger.
Remember: Knowing the meaning of word parts helps you unlock new vocabulary.