Affix Study Guide: Prefixes and Suffixes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, examples, functions, and study tips for prefixes and suffixes.

Prefix Im-/In-

A prefix meaning not or opposite of, as seen in incomplete or impossible.

Prefix Over-

A prefix meaning too much, as seen in overcook.

Prefix Under-

A prefix meaning below or less, as seen in underground.

Prefix Sub-

A prefix meaning below or under, as seen in subway.

Prefix Inter-

A prefix meaning between or among, as seen in interchange.

Prefix Un-

A prefix meaning not, opposite of, or to undo or reverse, as seen in undo.

Prefix Re-

A prefix meaning back or again, as seen in revisit, rewrite, or reread.

Prefix Dis-

A prefix meaning not, opposite, or apart of, as seen in disprove or dislike.

Prefix Pre-

A prefix meaning before or earlier, as seen in preview.

Prefix Mis-

A prefix meaning bad or wrong, as seen in misjudge.

Suffix -able/-ible

An adjective suffix meaning capable of being, as seen in lovable, flexible, or readable.

Suffix -ment

A noun suffix meaning act of, state of, or result of an action, as seen in enjoyment.

Suffix -ness

A noun suffix meaning state of, as seen in happiness or kindness.

Suffix -ful

A suffix meaning full of or full, as seen in thankful.

Suffix -less

An adjective suffix meaning without, as seen in heartless.

Grouped Prefixes: Im-/In-/Un-

A group of prefixes that all mean not or opposite of.

Grouped Suffixes: -ment, -ness, -ion

A group of suffixes that all turn actions or qualities into nouns.

Study Tip: Break Down the Word

A study strategy where you first find the base word, then look at the affix to figure out how it changes the meaning of the base word.

Study Tip: Practice Creating Words

A study strategy where you take a base word (e.g., read) and try adding different affixes to see how the meaning changes (e.g., Re-read, Reader).

Study Tip: Think About Context

A study strategy where you use the context of a sentence to help understand how an affix changes the meaning of a base word.

Study Tip: Group Similar Affixes Together

A study strategy of noticing affixes that share similar meanings or functions.