Prefixes and Suffixes in English


Learning Objectives

  • Understand the meaning of common English prefixes
  • Recognize common suffix spelling patterns
  • Use word parts to understand unfamiliar vocabulary

Introduction

English contains thousands of words, and new words are added all the time. Learning vocabulary word by word can feel overwhelming, but there is a smarter way.

Prefixes and suffixes are word parts that help you understand meaning and form. When you learn how words are built, you can guess meanings, improve spelling, and read more confidently.

Think of prefixes and suffixes as a code. Once you understand the code, many new words become easier to understand.


Prefixes

A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.

Common Prefixes

PrefixMeaningExamples
un-notunhappy, unfair, unclear
re-againrewrite, reread, return
mis-wronglymisunderstand, misjudge
pre-beforepreview, prepay
inter-betweeninternational, interact

Exercise 1

دستور تمرین: پیشوند مناسب را وارد کنید.

  1. She had to do the assignment.
  2. The instructions were clear.
  3. He decided to write his notes.
  4. This is an national company.
  5. I understood the question.

Check Answers


Suffixes

A suffix is a word part added to the end of a word. Suffixes often change the grammatical form of a word.

Common Suffixes

SuffixFunctionExamples
-nessforms nounshappiness, darkness
-lyforms adverbsslowly, carefully
-fulfull ofuseful, helpful
-lesswithoutcareless, hopeless

Exercise 2

دستور تمرین: شکل صحیح کلمه را بنویسید.

  1. happy + ness →
  2. care + ful →
  3. slow + ly →
  4. hope + less →
  5. excite + ment →

Check Answers


Final Writing Exercise

دستور تمرین: یک پاراگراف کوتاه بنویسید و از پیشوندها و پسوندها استفاده کنید.