Prefixes and Suffixes
Grammar 8: Prefixes and Suffixes
Prefixes (added at the start) and suffixes (added at the end) change the meaning or grammatical role of a word. Knowing them helps you understand new vocabulary—even if you’ve never seen the word before!
Common Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| un- | Not / Opposite | happy → unhappy |
| in-/im-/il-/ir- | Not | possible → impossible, legal → illegal |
| re- | Again | write → rewrite |
| dis- | Opposite / Remove | agree → disagree, connect → disconnect |
| pre- | Before | view → preview, historic → prehistoric |
Common Suffixes
| Suffix | Changes word to... | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -er / -or | Noun (person who does) | teach → teacher, act → actor |
| -ness | Noun (state/quality) | kind → kindness, sad → sadness |
| -ly | Adverb | quick → quickly, careful → carefully |
| -ful | Adjective (full of) | hope → hopeful, care → careful |
| -less | Adjective (without) | hope → hopeless, fear → fearless |
Why This Matters for Your Bac
- Helps you guess meanings in reading comprehension.
- Improves your writing: use precise words like careless instead of “not careful.”
- Essential for word formation exercises (common in grammar sections).
Quick Practice
Add the correct prefix or suffix:
- ______ + responsible = irresponsible
- Kind + ______ = kindness
- Hope + ______ = hopeless
✅ Answers: 1. ir- 2. -ness 3. -less
Final Tip
When you learn a new word, ask: “Can I add a prefix or suffix?” Build your vocabulary smarter—not harder!