Prefixes and suffixes are word parts that help us build new words, understand meanings, and grow our vocabulary. For ESL learners, mastering these small but mighty building blocks can make a big difference in reading, writing, and speaking.
Below, you’ll find helpful tables, examples in sentences, and classroom tips to support your learning or teaching journey.
What Are Prefixes and Suffixes?
- Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.
Example: “unhappy” → “un-” means not - Suffixes are added to the end of a word to change its form or function.
Example: “happiness” → “-ness” turns an adjective into a noun
Prefix Table: Common Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Example Word |
| un‑ | not / opposite of | unhappy |
| re‑ | again | redo |
| pre‑ | before | preview |
| dis‑ | not / opposite of | disagree |
| mis‑ | wrongly | misplace |
| in‑ | not | invisible |
| im‑ | not | impossible |
| over‑ | too much | overeat |
| under‑ | too little | underpaid |
| sub‑ | under | submarine |
| inter‑ | between | international |
| trans‑ | across | transport |
| de‑ | opposite / remove | defrost |
| en‑ | cause to | encourage |
| non‑ | not | nonsense |
| extra‑ | beyond | extraordinary |
| semi‑ | half / partial | semicircle |
Suffix Table: Common Suffixes
| Suffix | Meaning | Example Word |
| ‑ness | state or quality | kindness |
| ‑ful | full of | hopeful |
| ‑less | without | careless |
| ‑able | able to | readable |
| ‑ible | able to | invisible |
| ‑ment | result of | enjoyment |
| ‑ly | in a way | quickly |
| ‑er | person who / more | teacher, faster |
| ‑est | the most | fastest |
| ‑tion | action or process | celebration |
| ‑sion | action or process | decision |
| ‑ity | state of | flexibility |
| ‑ous | full of | dangerous |
| ‑ive | having the quality of | creative |
| ‑al | relating to | natural |
| ‑en | made of / become | golden |
| ‑ing | present action | running |
| ‑ed | past action | jumped |
Affixes in Sentences
Here are some quick examples showing prefixes and suffixes in action:
- She misunderstood the directions.
→ Prefix mis- = wrongly - That soup was inedible.
→ Prefix in- = not - He is a great teacher.
→ Suffix -er = person who - I love her kindness.
→ Suffix -ness = state or quality - They live in a submarine.
→ Prefix sub- = under - The baby was fearless.
→ Suffix -less = without - We must rebuild the shelter.
→ Prefix re- = again
He ran quickly across the field.
→ Suffix -ly = in a way
🔧 Prefix & Suffix Builder
Type one base word—for example play or happy—and click Generate. The tool instantly shows several new words created by adding common prefixes and suffixes to your base word, each with a one-line meaning. A fast, single-input way to explore word formation!
🧩 Prefix & Suffix Mastery Quiz
Ready to test your word-building skills? Answer 10 quick questions that cover the most common prefixes and suffixes. Identify meanings, complete sentences, and spot combined affixes—then click Submit to see your score instantly. Perfect for a 5-minute self-check after today’s lesson!
🧠 Prefix & Suffix Quiz
50 examples of prefixes and suffixes
Download this image and color the Prefix and Suffix.
Example of Prefixes
- Anti-: The group organized an anti-war protest downtown.
- Bi-: The twins were born with bilateral symmetry, each resembling the other perfectly.
- Co-: They decided to coauthor the book, combining their expertise.
- De-: The detective needed to decode the encrypted message to unravel the mystery.
- Dis-: His behavior was so disrespectful that it disrupted the entire class.
- Ex-: After years of service, he became the ex-president of the company.
- Fore-: The archaeologists uncovered artifacts dating back to the forefather’s era.
- Im-: It was an impossible task to complete within the given time frame.
- Inter-: The international team collaborated on the project via video conferences.
- Mis-: The misunderstanding led to miscommunication between them.
- Non-: He preferred to buy non-dairy milk for his morning cereal.
- Over-: The artist painted over the old mural to create a new masterpiece.
Example of Suffixes
- -able: The fabric was stretchable, making it perfect for sportswear.
- -al: She received a promotion to a managerial position within the company.
- -ance: His perseverance in the face of adversity was an inspiration to others.
- -ation: The organization’s plan required careful consideration before implementation.
- -er: The firefighter was a true lifesaver in the community.
- -est: Her garden was the greenest on the block, thriving with plants.
- -ful: The speech was insightful and thought-provoking.
- -hood: Childhood memories often shape who we become as adults.
- -ing: He was seen running across the field in pursuit of the soccer ball.
- -ion: The completion of the project marked a significant milestone for the team.
- -ism: His optimism and idealism inspired those around him.
- -ist: She was a passionate environmentalist advocating for sustainable practices.
- -ity: The city’s prosperity was evident in its bustling streets and vibrant culture.
- -ive: The medication had a positive effect on his overall health.
- -less: Her careless mistake resulted in a loss of valuable time.
- -ly: He spoke calmly and reassuringly to the worried child.
- -ment: The government’s new policy brought about positive enactment.
- -ness: His shyness faded as he gained confidence in himself.
Some More:
- Non-: Despite his nonchalant attitude, he was deeply concerned about the outcome.
- Re-: The artist decided to repaint the mural to improve its aesthetic appeal.
- -able: His explanation was hardly understandable due to its complexity.
- -ance: The conference attendance exceeded all expectations.
- -er: She was a skillful painter who captured the scene beautifully.
- -est: His argument was the weakest among all presented.
- Inter-: The intervention of the mediator helped resolve the dispute peacefully.
- -ful: Despite the challenges, she remained hopeful about the future.
- -hood: His brother’s childhood prank had a lasting impact on him.
- -ing: The constant gossiping in the office was distracting everyone from their work.
- Mis-: The misinterpretation of the data led to incorrect conclusions.
- -ive: His response was highly assertive, leaving no room for negotiation.
- -ly: She walked briskly towards the exit, eager to leave the party.
- Over-: His overbearing attitude alienated his colleagues.
- -ness: His boldness in the face of danger was admirable.
- Un-: The unexpected turn of events left everyone unnerved.
- -ment: His encouragment motivated others to strive for excellence.
- Anti-: The antidote proved to be effective in combating the virus.
- -ize: They sought to modernize the outdated infrastructure.
- Fore-: The forecast predicted heavy rainfall for the weekend.
A prefix goes at the start of a word, a suffix goes at the end.
Knowing affixes helps you guess the meaning of new words and improve reading fluency.
Yes! Example: unkindness has the prefix un- and the suffix -ness.
A root word is the base form of a word before any prefixes or suffixes are added.
Example: “agree” is the root of “disagreement”.
Conclusion
So, now you’ve got the idea of suffixes and prefixes by checking my 50 examples of prefixes and suffixes!
Remember, prefixes are like special letters that go before words to change their meaning, while suffixes are like cool stickers that go at the end to give words new powers. With prefixes and suffixes, words can transform and become even more amazing! Keep exploring words, and you’ll uncover more of their hidden magic.
Keep on reading and learning, and you’ll be a word wizard in no time!
Teaching Tips: How to Teach Prefixes and Suffixes
Try these fun and effective methods in your classroom or tutoring sessions:
Root Word Building
Use flashcards with root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Let students mix and match to make new words!
Affix Bingo or Sorting Games
Make it interactive! Use bingo cards or sorting mats where students categorize words by prefix/suffix types.
Anchor Charts and Word Walls
Post visual charts that list common prefixes and suffixes with their meanings and examples. Great for reference!
Word Detective Challenge
Have students find affixed words in books, articles, or signs and break them down in a word journal.
Lesson Plan: Prefixes & Suffixes Word-Building Workshop
In this 45-minute session, students learn how common prefixes and suffixes transform base words into new vocabulary with different meanings. Through an interactive card-sort, sentence-building challenges, and a quick formative quiz, learners will recognise high-frequency affixes, create their own words, and explain the meaning shifts—all without needing digital tools. Perfect for grades 5-9 ESL or morphology units in English Language Arts
Worksheet: Prefix & Suffix Word-Building Practice
Use this two-page worksheet to reinforce today’s lesson on prefixes and suffixes. You’ll match affixes to their meanings, create new words from base words, fix common errors, and write your own sentences—building confidence with word formation every step of the way.
Downloadable Prefix & Suffix Slide Deck (+ Lesson Ideas)
Understanding prefixes and suffixes is easier when students can see and interact with examples. That’s why we’ve created a free, downloadable slide deck packed with clear definitions, color‑coded tables, and classroom‑ready activities. Use it to introduce word parts, model sentence building, or review before a quiz. The presentation echoes the 50 prefix & suffix examples below, so learners can connect each slide to the practice sentences in this article. Simply click the link, project the slides in class, or assign them for independent study. Pair the deck with the printable worksheet for a complete mini‑unit that boosts vocabulary, decoding skills, and reading fluency—all in one place.
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