Prefixes and suffixes: review

key notes:

What is a Prefix?

A prefix is a group of letters we add to the beginning of a word. It changes what the word means. Think of it as adding a special hat to a word!

un- means ‘not’ or ‘opposite of’ happy means feeling good. unhappy means not feeling good.

re- means ‘again’ play means to have fun. replay means to play again.

Let’s try some more!

• pre- means ‘before’. If you preheat the oven, you heat it before you bake.
• dis- means ‘not’ or ‘opposite of’. If you disagree, you do not agree.

What is a Suffix?

A suffix is a group of letters we add to the end of a word. It also changes what the word means. This is like giving a word a special tail!

-ful means ‘full of’ help means to give assistance. helpful means full of help.

-er means ‘someone who’ teach means to show someone something. teacher means someone who teaches.

Let’s try some more!

• -ing means ‘happening now’. If you are reading, you are reading right now.
• -ed means ‘already happened’. If you walked, you already did the walking.

Why are Prefixes and Suffixes Important?

Learning about prefixes and suffixes helps us understand the meaning of new words! When you see a new word, look for a prefix or suffix you know. This will help you figure out what the word means.

Let’s practice!