50 Examples of Prefixes and Suffixes

Hey there! So, have you ever noticed those little parts we add to words to make them super special? They’re called prefixes and suffixes! Check out my 50 examples of prefixes and suffixes to know them better.

Prefixes are like magic letters we put at the beginning of words to change their meaning. Let’s try an example:

Take the word “happy.” If we add the prefix “un-” to it, it becomes “unhappy.” See? Adding “un-” makes it mean the opposite of happy, like when you’re feeling a bit sad.

Suffixes are like cool stickers we put at the end of words to give them new powers. Let’s play with another word:

Think about “care.” Now, if we add the suffix “-ful” to it, it becomes “careful.” That means being full of care or paying a lot of attention.

So, prefixes come before the word, and suffixes come after it. They’re like word helpers, making our words even more awesome!

Now you know! Next time you see a word with a prefix or suffix, you’ll know it’s got a little extra magic hidden inside!

What are Prefixes and suffixes?

Prefixes and suffixes are affixes, which are added to the beginning (prefixes) or end (suffixes) of words to modify their meaning or create new words. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Prefixes: These are added to the beginning of a word and change its meaning. For example:
   • “Un-” (e.g., unhappy)
   • “Re-” (e.g., rewrite)
   • “Dis-” (e.g., disappear)
2. Suffixes: These are added to the end of a word and also change its meaning. For example:
   • “-ly” (e.g., quickly)
   • “-tion” (e.g., imagination)
   • “-able” (e.g., lovable)

Prefixes and suffixes are used in various contexts in language, including:

• Word Formation: They are used to create new words or alter the meaning of existing ones. For instance, adding the prefix “un-” to “happy” creates “unhappy,” changing the meaning to not happy.
• Derivation: They are used to derive words from other words, often changing the part of speech. For example, adding the suffix “-ness” to “kind” creates the noun “kindness.”
• Grammar: They can indicate aspects of grammar such as tense, number, or comparison. For instance, the suffix “-ed” is often used to indicate past tense (e.g., walked).
• Meaning Modification: They modify the meaning of words to express nuances or opposite meanings. For example, adding the prefix “mis-” to “understand” changes the meaning to misunderstand.

To use prefixes and suffixes effectively:

1. Understand Meanings: Familiarize yourself with the meanings of common prefixes and suffixes to use them accurately.
2. Analyze Words: Break down words into their constituent parts to identify prefixes and suffixes and understand their contributions to meaning.
3. Context: Pay attention to the context in which words are used to determine the correct prefix or suffix to use.
4. Practice: Practice forming and deconstructing words using prefixes and suffixes to enhance your proficiency.

For instance, if you want to describe someone who is capable of being loved, you can add the suffix “-able” to the root word “love” to create “lovable.” Similarly, if you want to indicate that someone is not capable of feeling happiness, you can add the prefix “un-” to “happy” to create “unhappy.”

50 examples of prefixes and suffixes

Download this image and color the Prefix and Suffix.

Example of Prefixes

1. Anti-: The group organized an anti-war protest downtown.
2. Bi-: The twins were born with bilateral symmetry, each resembling the other perfectly.
3. Co-: They decided to coauthor the book, combining their expertise.
4. De-: The detective needed to decode the encrypted message to unravel the mystery.
5. Dis-: His behavior was so disrespectful that it disrupted the entire class.
6. Ex-: After years of service, he became the ex-president of the company.
7. Fore-: The archaeologists uncovered artifacts dating back to the forefather’s era.
8. Im-: It was an impossible task to complete within the given time frame.
9. Inter-: The international team collaborated on the project via video conferences.
10. Mis-: The misunderstanding led to miscommunication between them.
11. Non-: He preferred to buy non-dairy milk for his morning cereal.
12. Over-: The artist painted over the old mural to create a new masterpiece.

Example of Suffixes

13. -able: The fabric was stretchable, making it perfect for sportswear.
14. -al: She received a promotion to a managerial position within the company.
15. -ance: His perseverance in the face of adversity was an inspiration to others.
16. -ation: The organization’s plan required careful consideration before implementation.
17. -er: The firefighter was a true lifesaver in the community.
18. -est: Her garden was the greenest on the block, thriving with plants.
19. -ful: The speech was insightful and thought-provoking.
20. -hood: Childhood memories often shape who we become as adults.
21. -ing: He was seen running across the field in pursuit of the soccer ball.
22. -ion: The completion of the project marked a significant milestone for the team.
23. -ism: His optimism and idealism inspired those around him.
24. -ist: She was a passionate environmentalist advocating for sustainable practices.
25. -ity: The city’s prosperity was evident in its bustling streets and vibrant culture.
26. -ive: The medication had a positive effect on his overall health.
27. -less: Her careless mistake resulted in a loss of valuable time.
28. -ly: He spoke calmly and reassuringly to the worried child.
29. -ment: The government’s new policy brought about positive enactment.
30. -ness: His shyness faded as he gained confidence in himself.

Some More:

1. Non-: Despite his nonchalant attitude, he was deeply concerned about the outcome.
2. Re-: The artist decided to repaint the mural to improve its aesthetic appeal.
3. -able: His explanation was hardly understandable due to its complexity.
4. -ance: The conference attendance exceeded all expectations.
5. -er: She was a skillful painter who captured the scene beautifully.
6. -est: His argument was the weakest among all presented.
7. Inter-: The intervention of the mediator helped resolve the dispute peacefully.
8. -ful: Despite the challenges, she remained hopeful about the future.
9. -hood: His brother’s childhood prank had a lasting impact on him.
10. -ing: The constant gossiping in the office was distracting everyone from their work.
11. Mis-: The misinterpretation of the data led to incorrect conclusions.
12. -ive: His response was highly assertive, leaving no room for negotiation.
13. -ly: She walked briskly towards the exit, eager to leave the party.
14. Over-: His overbearing attitude alienated his colleagues.
15. -ness: His boldness in the face of danger was admirable.
16. Un-: The unexpected turn of events left everyone unnerved.
17. -ment: His encouragment motivated others to strive for excellence.
18. Anti-: The antidote proved to be effective in combating the virus.
19. -ize: They sought to modernize the outdated infrastructure.
20. Fore-: The forecast predicted heavy rainfall for the weekend.

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!