Root Words and Affixes (Affixes = Prefixes and Suffixes)

T. D. James-Moss, InstructorHardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School2013-2014Root Words and Affixes (Affixes = Prefixes and Suffixes)Important Vocabulary TermsPrefix: a symbol, letter or number added to the beginning of a wordA prefix often changes the meaning of a word.

Important Vocabulary TermsSuffix: a letter or group of letters added to the END of a wordSuffixes can be used to form new words. A suffix can change the meaning of a word.

Important Vocabulary TermsRoot Word: A root word is the central origin or source of a words meaning.The root of a word is its most basic part.There are roots in English that come from many languages.

Prefix: Un-Remember: Un- essentially means not, against or opposite of.Some examples: -Unaffordable -Unbelievable -Uncivilized -Unproductive

Prefix: Re-Remember: Re- essentially means back or again.Some examples: -Restart -Realign -Reflex -Report

Prefix: Pre-Remember: Pre- essentially means before.Some examples: -Preamble -Premeditate -Prenuptial -Preadmission

Prefix: BiRemember: Bi- essentially means two or twice.Some examples: -Biannual -Bicentennial -Bifocal -Bilingual

Prefix: MisRemember: Mis- essentially means lack of, bad, wrong or opposite. Some examples: -Misinformed -Misanthropic -Misperception -Misdiagnosis

Prefix: DisRemember: Dis- essentially means to deprive of, to exclude or remove, the opposite of or the absence of. Some examples: -Disability -Disarray -Disconcert -Dispossess

Prefix: Il-Remember: Il- essentially means not.Some examples: -Illogical -Illegible -Illiterate -Illaudable

Prefix: Ir-Remember: Ir- essentially means not.Some examples: -Irresponsible -Irrational -Irregular -Irrefutable

Prefix: Non-Remember: Non- essentially means not.Some examples: -Nonnegotiable -Nonsense -Nonabrasive -Nonconfrontational

Prefix: Over-Remember: Over- essentially means too much or too great or better or beyond.Some examples: -Overreact -Overage -Overarching -Overexert

Prefixes: Super-/Supra-Remember: Super- and Supra- essentially mean over and above or bigger and better. Some examples: -Supernatural -Supercede -Superior -Suprarational

Prefix: Extra-, Exter, and Extro-Remember: Extra-, Exter- and Extro- essentially mean outside of or beyond.Some examples: -External -Extrovert -Extraordinary -Extraterrestrial