Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes and suffixes are word parts added to the beginning or end of a root word to change its meaning or grammatical function. Understanding them dramatically expands your vocabulary.
Prefixes
A prefix is added to the beginning of a word to create a new word with a different meaning. Adding a prefix does not change the spelling of the root word.
| Prefix | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| un- | not / opposite | unhappy, unknown, unusual, unfair |
| re- | again / back | rewrite, return, rebuild, reconsider |
| pre- | before | preview, prehistoric, prepare, predict |
| mis- | wrongly | misunderstand, mistake, mislead, misuse |
| dis- | not / opposite / away | disagree, disappear, disconnect, dislike |
| over- | too much / above | overeat, overwork, overlook, overcome |
| under- | too little / below | underestimate, underachieve, underpay |
| inter- | between | international, internet, interview, interact |
| im- / in- / ir- / il- | not | impossible, incorrect, irregular, illegal |
| sub- | under / below | submarine, subway, subtitle, substandard |
| super- | above / beyond | superhero, supernatural, supermarket |
| auto- | self | autobiography, automatic, automobile |
Suffixes
A suffix is added to the end of a word, often changing its part of speech. Suffixes can turn nouns into verbs, adjectives into nouns, etc.
| Suffix | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -ness | noun: state or quality | happiness, kindness, darkness, sadness |
| -ment | noun: result or action | achievement, government, movement |
| -tion / -sion | noun: action or state | education, decision, information |
| -er / -or | noun: person who does | teacher, doctor, driver, actor |
| -ful | adjective: full of | beautiful, helpful, peaceful, grateful |
| -less | adjective: without | hopeless, careless, harmless, useless |
| -able / -ible | adjective: capable of | readable, comfortable, possible, visible |
| -ous / -ious | adjective: having quality of | famous, dangerous, serious, curious |
| -ly | adverb: in a manner | quickly, carefully, honestly, beautifully |
| -ify / -ize | verb: to make or become | simplify, beautify, modernize, organize |
happy → unhappy (prefix un-) → unhappiness (suffix -ness)
agree → disagree (prefix dis-) → disagreement (suffix -ment)
possible → impossible (prefix im-) → impossibility (suffix -ity)
Vocabulary tip: When you meet an unfamiliar word, look for a recognisable root and any prefix or suffix. Unforeseeable = un- (not) + foresee (to see ahead) + -able (capable of). Breaking words into parts helps you work out meaning from context.