English Grade 5

Prefix & Suffix

New words can be formed by adding a letter or a group of letters at the beginning or
at the end of a primary word.

The letter or group of letters added at the beginning of a root word to make a new
word is known as a prefix.
Examples:
Prefix Primary word New word
un- happy unhappy
im- possible impossible
dis- loyal disloyal

The letter or group of letters added at the end of a root word to make a new word is
known as suffix.

Examples:
Primary word Suffix New word
sing -er singer
child -ish childish
idol -ise idolise

WALT: Rewrite the sentences with the correct use of prefixes/ suffixes.
Exercise 1
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with a prefix or suffix as appropriate.
1. Nitin was acting ____________ (child) all the time.

2. Samaya looked at her little cat _________ (happy) when it was rolling in the sand.

3. He passed the exam; he was _________________ (success) in the second attempt.

4. It seemed _____________ (possible) until it was done.

5. The boy was very __________________ (respectful) to the old man and hence, he was
not liked by him.

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6. His ___________ (loyal) and _______________ (faithful) was truly _____________

(commend).

7. I think you should _____________ (consider) your decision.

8. I find him very ____________ (trust) so I handed over my locker keys to him.

Exercise 2

Instructions- Identify the word with suffix/prefix in the following sentences and write the
meaning of the word.

1. Nina will preheat the oven when she bakes the cake.

2. Trey was careless and knocked over his glass of milk.

3. Betty will have to retype her report because it got lost.

4. Mom wants me to untie my shoe before I take it off.

5. The sunset this evening was beautiful.

Exercise 3 –
Extended task (Optional)
a. What word part means “not” in the word disappear?
b. What word part means “before” in the word preamble?
c. What word part means “wheel” in the word bicycle?
d. What word part means “many, much” in the word multiple?
e. What word part means “one who” in the word actor?

Success Criteria –
 I was able to define and identify a base word, Prefixes and Suffixes.
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 I was able to analyze the meaning of the new word formed when a Prefix/ Suffix is added to a
known word.

 I was able to demonstrate the use of Prefixes and Suffixes in sentences.

Exit Ticket -

What did I learn today?

What question do I still have?

Exercise 1 – Answer Key

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with a prefix or suffix as appropriate.

1. Nitin was acting childish (child) all the time.

2. Samaya looked at her little cat happily (happy) when it was rolling in the sand.

3. He passed the exam; he was successful (success) in the second attempt.

4. It seemed impossible (possible) until it was done.

5. The boy was very disrespectful (respectful) to the old man and hence, he was not liked
by him.

6. His loyalty (loyal) and faithfulness (faithful) was truly commendable (commend).

7. I think you should reconsider (consider) your decision.

8. I find him very trustworthy (trust) so I handed over my locker keys to him.

Exercise 2- Answer key

Instructions- Identify the word with suffix/prefix in the following sentences and write the
meaning of the word.

1. Nina will preheat the oven when she bakes the cake.
preheat- heat before
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2. Trey was careless and knocked over his glass of milk.

careless- doesn’t use care

3. Betty will have to retype her report because it got lost.

retype- type again

4. Mom wants me to untie my shoe before I take it off.

untie- loosen the lace

5. The sunset this evening was beautiful.

beautiful- full of beauty