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Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes and Suffixes
Some words (root words) can have words or parts of words added to the beginning or end that
change their meaning.
If you add parts of words to the beginning of a word, it is called a prefix.
If you add parts of words to the end of a word, it is called a suffix.
un help ful
re paint ing
I ended up repainting the kitchen
Suffix Example
-ise stabilise, characterise, symbolise, visualise, specialise
-ate differentiate, liquidate, pollinate, duplicate, fabricate
-fy classify, exemplify, simplify, justify
-en awaken, fasten, shorten, moisten
Suffix Example
-al central, political, national, optional, professional
-ent different, dependent, excellent
-ive attractive, effective, imaginative, repetitive
-ous continuous, dangerous, famous
-ful beautiful, peaceful, careful
-less endless, homeless, careless, thoughtless
-able drinkable, countable, avoidable,
Prefix Examples
un- unfortunate, uncomfortable, unjust
im-/in-/ir-/il- immature, impatient, improbable, inconvenient, irreplaceable, illegal
non- non-fiction, non-political, non-neutral
dis- disloyal, dissimilar, dishonest
EXERCISE:
1. Change the words in the box into people by adding suffixes (-ER , -OR , -IAN or -IST) ,
then fill in the gaps in the sentences below
art - collect - direct - electric - guitar - library - manage - own - politics - survive - terror - write
1. I'm sorry I her message completely. I simply didn't pay attention (UNDERSTAND)
2. We as soon as we got to the hotel, then we went for a walk (PACK)
3. She was here a minute ago but then she . I don't know where she went. (APPEAR)
4. We usually have similar opinions but I totally with him on this subject (AGREE)
5. My homework was so bad that I had to it (WRITE)
6. Her alarm clock didn't go off and she (SLEEP)
7. It's to bring those things with you on a plane (LEGAL)
8. She finally managed to the door and we were able to go in (LOCK)
9. I the movie but everyone else enjoyed it (LIKE)
10. I don't think I will pass the exam but I can it in September (TAKE)