Word Parts


Your vocabulary will greatly increase if you know about the structure of words and how they are formed. The main part of a word is called the root (for example, write). We can add prefixes to the beginning (rewrite), and suffixes to the end (writer). 

If you know common roots, prefixes, and suffixes, you will increase your vocabulary. 

Here are some common prefixes:
 

Common Prefixes
Prefix Meaning Example
pre- before They will show a sneak preview of the movie.
un- not The plot was unbelievable!
dis- not I disagree with you on that point.
re- again She will rewrite that part of the story.
mis- not I must have misunderstood her.
im- not That is impossible.
bi- two She rides a bicycle to school.
de- not The airlines are deregulated.

Here are some common suffixes:
 

-Common Suffixes
suffix Meaning Example
-er doer Mrs. Solomon is an outstanding teacher.
-able able to The plot was unbelievable!
-ous full of Exploring space can be dangerous.
-ness state of being She will filled with happiness.
-ful full of The train ride was wonderful.
-ly or -y like She talked gently.
-ment state of That part of government passes laws.

Assignment: Go to The Desert Trail or The Hi Desert Star on-line, or use a copy of the paper in your classroom.  Find an example of each of the listed prefixes and suffixes being used in a sentence. Write down the word and its definition on this form.