Prefixes and Suffixes with Meanings and Sample Words
Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Sample Words |
|---|---|---|
| a-, an- | without, not | atypical, anarchy |
| anti- | against | antibiotic, antifreeze |
| auto- | self | autobiography, automatic |
| bi- | two | bicycle, bilingual |
| circum- | around | circumference, circumnavigate |
| co- | with, together | cooperate, co-author |
| de- | down, from | deconstruct, dehydrate |
| dis- | not, opposite of | disagree, disconnect |
| en-, em- | in, into | enclose, empower |
| ex- | out, former | exit, ex-president |
| extra- | beyond, outside | extraordinary, extracurricular |
| fore- | before | forecast, forewarn |
| hyper- | excessive, above | hyperactive, hyperbole |
| im-, in- | not, into | impossible, insecure |
| inter- | between | interact, intercontinental |
| intra- | within | intravenous, intrapersonal |
| macro- | large | macroeconomics, macrocosm |
| micro- | small | microscope, microbe |
| mis- | wrong, bad | mistake, misinterpret |
| mono- | one | monotheism, monologue |
| non- | not | nonsense, non-profit |
| over- | too much, above | overeat, overestimate |
| pre- | before | preview, pre-existing |
| pro- | for, in favor of | pro-democracy, pro-choice |
| re- | again | rewrite, reheat |
| sub- | under, below | submarine, subconscious |
| super- | above, beyond | superhuman, supermodel |
| trans- | across, beyond | transport, transatlantic |
| un- | not | unhappy, unbelievable |
| under- | below, less than | underestimate, underpaid |
Suffixes
| Suffix | Meaning | Sample Words |
|---|---|---|
| -able, -ible | capable of, able to | believable, edible |
| -al, -ial | relating to, having the quality of | national, essential |
| -er, -or | one who | teacher, actor |
| -ful | full of | beautiful, joyful |
| -ing | present participle, action | dancing, running |
| -ism | belief, doctrine | capitalism, feminism |
| -ist | one who believes in | artist, scientist |
| -ity, -ty | state of being | creativity, certainty |
| -less | without | hopeless, painless |
| -ment | state, action | enjoyment, movement |
| -ness | state of being | happiness, kindness |
| -ship | state, position | friendship, scholarship |
| -tion, -sion | action, process | formation, invasion |
| -y | characterized by | happy, noisy |
This is just a small sample of common prefixes and suffixes. There are many more, and their meanings can vary depending on the word. It's important to understand the context of the word to determine the precise meaning of the prefix or suffix.
Learning prefixes and suffixes can be a great way to improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension. By understanding these common word parts, you can decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and expand your knowledge of the English language.