Prefixes and suffixes are letters or groups of letters that are added at the beginning of a word (prefix) or at the end of a word (suffix) to change the meaning and / or function of the word. Many prefixes and suffixes have Latin roots. Understanding the various meanings of prefixes and suffixes can help us determine the meaning of the new words we encounter.
Prefixes
Common Prefixes The four most common prefixes are in bold. These four prefixes represent the vast majority of printed English prefix words.
Prefixes are attached to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.
Examples:
moral → amoral (moral → amoral)
modern → postmodern (modern → postmodern)
wrap → unwrap (wrap → unwrap)
Suffixes are attached to the end of a word to create a new word or to change the function of the word. For example, verbs can be changed to become adjectives or nouns with the addition of a suffix.
Examples:
Noun suffix
maintain [v.] → maintenence [n.]
Verb suffix
bright [adj.] → brighten [v.]
Adjective suffix
enjoy [v.] → enjoyable [adj.]
Common Suffixes The most common suffixes are the ones we use to create various verb tenses (“-ing”, “-ed”), plurals (“-s”, “-es”) and adverbs (“-ly”) that we have seen in lessons previous. The table below includes other common suffixes.
Suffix Meaning Example Noun -acy status or quality of privacy
