Prefix and Suffix for class 4-10 in English grammar, here we are going to tell you what prefix and suffix are and how is it used along with examples.
Prefix and Suffix Definition
Prefix
‘Pre’ means ‘before’ and ‘fix’ means ‘to put something firmly in place’. So, as the term suggests, Prefix refers to part or group of alphabets which when added to the beginning of a word tends to change the word’s meaning.
Suffix
A suffix refers to a part or group of alphabets which when added to the end of a word tends to change the word’s meaning.
List of some common Prefix and Suffix and their uses mentioned with Examples
Prefix words in English
Prefix | Meaning | Examples (Prefix+Word) |
Ab- | Away | Abnormal, Absent |
Ambi- | Both | Ambivert, Ambiguous |
Ante- | Before | Antedate, Anteroom |
Anti- | Against | Antivirus, Antibiotics |
Auto- | Self | Autopilot, Autograph |
Bio- | Life | Biology, Biography |
Bene- | Good | Benefit, Benevolent |
Circum- | Round | Circumference, Circumscribe |
Co- | With | Co-exist, Cooperation |
Counter- | Opposing | Counterfeit, Counterbalance |
De- | Opposite action | Destroy, Decentralization |
Dec- | Ten | Decade, Decimal |
Dia- | Across | Diameter, Dialogue |
Dis- | Opposite of | Dissatisfied, Disagree |
Dys- | Abnormal | Dysentery, Dyslexia |
E- | Electronic | Email, E-commerce |
Equi- | Equal | Equator, Equality |
Ex- | Former | Ex-president, Exterminate |
Extra- | More than | Extraordinary, Extracurricular |
Fore- | Before | Foremost, Forecast |
Geo- | Earth | Geography, Geology |
Homo- | Same | Homophobic, Homosexual |
Hyper- | Over | Hyperactive, Hyperspace |
In- | Not | Incomplete, Inaccuracy |
Inter- | Between | Intermediate, Interact |
Intra- | Within | Intraday, Intra-generational |
Il-, Im-, In-, Ir- | Not, opposite of | Impossible, Indistinct, Irrational, Illogical |
Macro- | Large | Macroeconomics, Macrobiotic |
Mal- | Badly | Malnutrition, Malpractice |
Micro- | Small | Microscope, Microwave |
Mid- | Middle | Midpoint, Midfielder |
Mis- | Wrongly | Mistake, Misrepresentation |
Mono- | One | Monopoly, Monotone |
Multi- | Many | Multigrain, Multicultural |
Neo- | A new and different form of something that existed in the past | Neoclassical, Neonatal |
Non- | Not, without | Nonsense, Nonexistent |
Oct- | Eight | Octopus, Octagon |
Out- | More, to a great extent | Outspoken, Outnumbered |
Over- | Too much | Overconfidence, Overthink |
Ped- | Foot | Pedestrian, Pedometer |
Poly- | Many | Polygon, Polygamy |
Post- | After | Postpone, Postmortem |
Pre- | Before | Prevent, Prefix |
Pro- | Forward | Promote, Proceed |
Re- | Again | Recall, Return |
Semi- | Half | Semicircle, Semi-final |
Sub- | Under | Submerge, Submarine |
Super- | Above | Superstar, Supernatural |
Trans- | Across | Transport, Transact |
Tri- | Three | Tricycle, Triangle |
Un- | Not | Unfinished, Unfortunate |
Under- | Below | Underwater, Underline |
Under- | Insufficient | Underemployed, Underdeveloped |
Uni- | One | Universe, Uniform |
Well- | Useful, successful | Well-known, Well-designed |
Suffix words in English
Suffix | Meaning | Examples (Root+Suffix) |
-able, -ible | Capable of | Reversible, Breakable |
-al, -ial | Having to do with | Herbal, Industrial |
-ant | Having an impact | Consultant, Disinfectant |
-anthrop | Human | Misanthrope, Philanthropist |
-cy | State of quality | Decency, Literacy |
-ed | past tense of verb | turned, ruined, cooked, cleaned |
–ee | Person affected by something | Employee, Bailee |
-en | Made of, being made | Golden, Lighten |
-er | Comparative | Later, Colder |
-er | A person who | Actor, Performer |
-est | Superlative | Coldest, Hottest |
-free | Without | Hassle-free, Debt-free |
-ful | Full of | Careful, Beautiful |
-graph | Write | Paragraph, Autograph |
-hood | Condition, state | Childhood, Adulthood |
-ian | Related to | Librarian, Historian |
-ic, -tic | Having to do with | Realistic, Electric |
-ics | Study of | Electronics, Genetics |
-ify | Giving quality to something | Simplify, Solidify |
-ing | Present participle | Playing, Cooking |
-ism | Behavior or belief | Heroism, Liberalism |
-ist | Person who does | Philanthropist, Activist |
-tion | Act or process | Action, Reaction |
-ity | State of | Infinity, Insanity |
-tive | Adjective | Negative, Active |
-ize, -ise | Bring about a condition or state | modernize/modernise, colonize/colonise |
-less | Without | Limitless, Clueless |
-like | Resemble another | Alike, Child-like |
-ly, -y | In a certain way | Carefully, Quietly |
-ment | Action, process | Accomplishment, Development |
-ness | State of, quality | Carelessness, Thickness |
-ocracy | Type of ruling body | Democracy, Bureaucracy |
-ocrat | Person ruling | Democrat, Autocrat |
-ology, -ological | Study of | Psychology, Biological |
-ous | Having | Religious, Joyous |
-proof | Protected against | Waterproof, Smudge-proof |
-ship | State or experience of specific position | Partnership, Leadership |
For more information related to prefix and suffix watch this video: Prefix and Suffix question solving tricks
Prefix and Suffix Practice Questions
Add a prefix to the base word given in brackets to correctly complete each sentence.
1) China is an _________ country. It has over a billion people. (populated)
2) Male students _________ female students in this class. (number)
3) It’s _________ to smoke in public places and expose people around to danger. (moral)
4) I looked over my essay and found a _______ word. (spelled)
5) To help keep the Earth clean we must __________ our plastic. (cycle)
6) Before you take off your shoes, you must ______ your shoelaces. (tie)
7) I went to the doctor because I had _________ in my belly. (comfort)
8) Radhika can swim ___________ for over 1 minute. (water)
9) My teammates were _______ after we lost the game. (happy)
10) My brother doesn’t have a job, he’s ____________ . (employed)
Add a suffix to the base word given in brackets to correctly complete each sentence.
1) I wore a _______ shirt to school for picture day. (color)
2) Puppies and kittens are very _______ animals. (play)
3) I treat all my friends in a ________ manner. (respect)
4) Be ______ ! A bus is coming. (care)
5) The best _______ for obesity is doing sport everyday. (treat)
6) An _________ person called me thrice last night. (anonym)
7) Don’t be _________ . Everything will be all right. (pessimist)
8) Could you ________ your instructions, please? (simple)
9) It is ________ to ride on your bike with a helmet on. (safe)
10) The lights on her house were __________ than ours. (bright)
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