What is a prefix?

  • One or more letters that are placed in front of a word to form a new word with a similar meaning.
    • examplesredo, preview, unhappy, iPhone, & abnormal
  • A prefix is usually not a word by itself.

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What is a root word?

  • The base word which is combined with a suffix and/or prefix to form a a new word.
  • The word which is left when all prefixes and suffixes are removed.
    • examples:  rechecked, preboarding, unchanged, untouched, & unanswered
Fun Fact
Brunch = Breakfast + Lunch
This is a portmanteau.

What is a suffix?

  • One or more letters that are placed at the end of a word to form a new word with a similar meaning.
    • examples:  ended, dryer, dancer, talking, & sleeping
  • A suffix is usually not a word by itself.
  • Words can have more than one suffix.
    • examples:  cheerfulness, carefully, grudgingly, & annoyances
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