Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes are added to the beginning of words and suffixes to the end — both change the word's meaning.
What You Need to Know
A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning. For example, un- means "not" — so unhappy means "not happy". A suffix is added to the end. For example, -ful means "full of" — so careful means "full of care". Knowing prefixes and suffixes helps you work out the meaning of new words.
Key Concepts
Prefix
Added to the start: un-, re-, pre-
Suffix
Added to the end: -ful, -less, -ing
Root Word
The base word before changes
Word Meaning
Affixes change meaning
Common Prefixes
- un- (not): unhappy, unkind, unfair
- re- (again): redo, replay, rewrite
- pre- (before): preview, prepay
- dis- (not/opposite): dislike, disagree
Common Suffixes
- -ful (full of): hopeful, joyful, careful
- -less (without): hopeless, careless
- -er (more/person): faster, teacher
- -ing (action): running, laughing
Key Vocabulary
Prefix
Letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning, e.g. re- in replay.
Suffix
Letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or form, e.g. -ful in hopeful.
Root Word
The base word before any prefix or suffix is added, e.g. play in replay.
Affix
A word part added to a root — prefixes and suffixes are both types of affixes.
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What does the prefix "un-" mean?
Question 2
What does the word "hopeful" mean? (hope + -ful)
Question 3
What is the root word in "unhelpful"?
Question 4
Add the prefix "re-" to "write". What does the new word mean?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A prefix is added to the start of a word to change its meaning (e.g. un-, re-, dis-).
- ●A suffix is added to the end of a word (e.g. -ful, -less, -ing, -er).
- ●The root word is the base word without any prefix or suffix.
- ●Knowing prefixes and suffixes helps you work out the meaning of unfamiliar words.