Prefixes and suffixes can change the meaning of words. Prefixes are added before the root word and suffixes are added after. Common prefixes include "mis-", "non-", "pre-", "un-", "dis-", "sub-", and "super-" which can change the meaning to incorrect, not, before, not, opposite, under or less than, and above or more than. Common suffixes include "-able", "-y", "-ive", "-ous", "-ful", "-less", and "-ish" which can change the part of speech or add qualities like being able to do something, characterized by, having a quality, full of, without, and a little. Adding prefixes and suffixes to root words can create new

1. Word Formation
Prefixes
Before the word
Suffixes
After the word
How?
Why?
To change the meaning
of the root verb
To show the part of speech
of the word
Example
Unbreakable
Incomprehensible
adjective
New word
negative

2. The most common prefixes
Prefix Meaning Example
Mis - Wrong Misspell/ misunderstand
Non- Not Non-swimmer, non-smoker
Pre- Before Preview/ pre-election
Un - Not Uncomfortable/ unfriendly
Dis- Opposite Disconnect/ dishonest
Sub- Under or less than Submarine/ subway
Super- Above or more than Superstar/ superstructure
Re – Back/ again Reuse/ rebuild/ reactivate
In – Not Informal/ inappropriate
Im –
(p/m)
Not Impolite/ immature
Ir- (r) Not Irregular/ irrelevant
Il- (l) Not Illegal/ illiterate

3. Common suffixes
Suffix Meaning Example
-able Can be / having
this ability
Agreeable / affordable
/ comfortable
-y Characterized by Easy/ dirty/ icy/
sleepy
-ive Having the quality
of
Creative/ addictive/
impressive
-ous Full of Dangerous/ spacious
- ful Full of Useful / helpful
-less Without Careless/ hopeless
-ish A little Greenish/ childish/`
-like Similar to Ladylike/
lifelike/childlike
…