Understanding English Prefixes

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Questions and Answers

What is the meaning of the prefix 'anti'?

  • against (correct)
  • in favor of
  • within
  • together

Which prefix indicates a meaning related to quantity, specifically two?

  • uni
  • tri
  • quad
  • bi (correct)

What does the prefix 'de' imply?

  • to bring together
  • to increase in intensity
  • to add
  • to go away from (correct)

Which word demonstrates the use of the prefix 'ex'?

<p>exhale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prefix 'cir' can enhance a word's meaning to indicate what?

<p>around (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 'epi' convey?

<p>upon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which prefix means ‘together’?

<p>com (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning associated with the prefix 'im'?

<p>not (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which root indicates the concept of equality?

<p>equ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prefix 'dis' denotes which type of action?

<p>to separate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the suffix 'ous' indicate when added to a root word?

<p>Full of or having (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the word 'concurrence', what does the prefix 'con' mean?

<p>Together with (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which suffix indicates the ability or skill related to the root word?

<p>ship (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The word 'malediction' is derived from which root meaning?

<p>To say (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the suffix 'ty' signify in the word 'unity'?

<p>State or quality of (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the term 'untenable', what is the significance of the prefix 'un'?

<p>Not (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the root 'curr' found in 'concurrence'?

<p>To run (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prefix 'pre' in 'precursor' implies what kind of relationship?

<p>Before (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the root 'duc'?

<p>To lead (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which root means 'to believe'?

<p>cred, credit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words demonstrates the root meaning 'to carry'?

<p>Referral (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the roots 'spec' and 'spect' generally relate to?

<p>To appear, to look, to see (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which root is associated with the concept of 'acting' or 'doing'?

<p>act, ag (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word means 'to go before' and contains a related root?

<p>Precede (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the root 'scrib' indicate in context?

<p>To write (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which root corresponds to the meaning of 'equal'?

<p>equ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words relates to 'to be sent'?

<p>Admit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 'pre-' in 'precursory' suggest?

<p>Before (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the root 'plic'?

<p>To fold or bend (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which root conveys the meaning of 'to lead' prominently in the word 'conduct'?

<p>duc (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word signifies 'to fold in or involve'?

<p>Implicate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'bas' in relation to physical space?

<p>Low (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the root 'tract' imply about the action described in related words?

<p>To draw or pull something (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which suffix indicates a state of being or an act?

<p>ance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The root 'ver' in the word 'revert' suggests the action of:

<p>To turn back (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words contains the suffix that means 'full of'?

<p>Fearful (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The word 'tenable' refers to something that is:

<p>Capable of being maintained (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the root 'ven' signify in the word 'advent'?

<p>To come (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which suffix indicates someone who performs a specific action?

<p>ant (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The word 'biome' contains which suffix that indicates study?

<p>logy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the root 'tact' imply about the words derived from it?

<p>Ability to perceive by touch (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The word 'performance' features which suffix related to actions?

<p>ance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words contains a suffix that suggests a condition?

<p>Eagerness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the root 'tent' in 'extend' imply?

<p>To stretch out (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words means 'able to be sold'?

<p>Salable (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which suffix indicates a concern with, or relating to something?

<p>ory (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 'inter' signify in the word 'interpose'?

<p>Between, among (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these prefixes indicates the meaning of 'many'?

<p>Poly- (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'nonprofit' specifically mean based on the prefix used?

<p>Not making a profit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word uses the prefix 're' correctly according to its meaning?

<p>Retell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 'mal' indicate in the word 'malpractice'?

<p>Bad, ill, wrong (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prefix 'post' in 'postmortem' refers to which of the following?

<p>After (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What meaning does the prefix 'omni' convey in the word 'omnipresent'?

<p>Everywhere, all (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'super' mean in the word 'superstar'?

<p>Over, above, greater (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which prefix in 'transmute' suggests the meaning of 'across'?

<p>Trans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'unilateral' imply based on its prefix?

<p>Having one side (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The prefix 'mis' in 'misplace' suggests which type of action?

<p>Put in wrong place (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words uses the prefix 'sub' correctly?

<p>Submarine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the correct meaning of the prefix 'polysyllable'.

<p>Many syllables (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the prefix 'ob' in 'obviate' relate to?

<p>To be apparent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 'uni' imply in the context of 'unanimous'?

<p>One view (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

a, ab, abs

A prefix that means "away from", "not to be present", or "away".

ad, a, ac, af, ag, an, ar, at, as

A prefix that means "to" or "toward".

anti

A prefix that means "against".

bi, bis

A prefix that means "two".

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circum, cir

A prefix that means "around".

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com, con, co, col

A prefix that means "with" or "together".

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de

A prefix that means "away from", "down", or "the opposite of".

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dis, dif, di

A prefix that means "apart" or "not".

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epi

A prefix that means "upon" or "on top of".

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equ, equi

A prefix that means "equal".

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Prefix

A word part added to the beginning of a word, changing its meaning.

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Suffix

A word part added to the end of a word, changing its meaning.

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Root

The core meaning of a word.

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Inter-

Between, among. Example words: international, interpose.

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Mal-, Male-

Bad, ill, wrong. Example words: malpractice, malfunction.

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Mis-

Wrong, badly. Example words: mistake, misplace.

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Mono-

One, alone, single. Example words: monopoly, monosyllable.

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Non-

Not, the opposite of. Example words: nonsense, nonprofit.

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Ob-

In front, against, in the way of. Example words: obstacle, obviate.

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Omni-

Everywhere, all. Example words: omnipresent, omnipotent.

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Per-

Through. Example words: pervade, perceive.

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Poly-

Many. Example words: polysyllable, polygon.

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Post-

After. Example words: postpone, postmortem.

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Pre-

Before, earlier than. Example words: prehistoric, preface.

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Pro-

Forward, going ahead, of, supporting. Example words: proceed, promote.

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act, ag

To do, to act.

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bas

Low.

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cap, capt, cip, cept, ceive

To take, to hold, to seize.

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ced, cede, ceed, cess

To go, to give in.

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cred, credit

To believe.

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curr, curs, cours

To run.

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dic, dict

To say.

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duc, duct

To lead.

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fac, fact, fic, fect, fy

To make, to do.

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fer, ferr

To carry, bring.

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graph

To write.

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mit, mis

To send.

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Concurrence

The action or process of combining or joining together.

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Exaggerate

To emphasize or make something seem larger or more important than it really is.

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Precursor

Something that happens or exists before something else.

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Unity

The state or quality of being one, single, or united.

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Untenable

The ability to hold, defend, or maintain a position.

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What is a root in word structure?

The base or core meaning of a word, often from Latin or Greek, that conveys the fundamental concept.

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What is a prefix?

A word part added to the beginning of a word, changing its meaning. Examples include "un-" and "re-".

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What is a suffix?

A word part added to the end of a word, changing its meaning. Examples include "-ing" and "-ly".

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What is the root of "tactile"?

"Tact" means "to touch." The word "tactile" means "able to be touched."

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What is the meaning of "ven" and "vent"?

"Ven" and "vent" both mean "to come." The word "convene" means "to come together."

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What does the suffix "-ible" or "-able" signify?

The suffix "-ible" or "-able" means "able to." The word "edible" means "able to be eaten."

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What does the suffix "-ation" indicate?

The suffix "-ation" signifies the act or condition of. For example, "correction" is the act of correcting.

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What do the root words "tent", "tend", and "tens" mean?

"Tent", "tend", and "tens" all mean "to stretch." The word "tension" means "being stretched."

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What does the suffix " -ment" signify?

Words with the suffix "-ment" indicate an act or state, such as "payment" (the act of paying) or "retirement" (state of being retired).

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What does the suffix "-ist" indicate?

The suffix "-ist" signifies "one who" does something, such as "artist" (one who makes art).

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What does the suffix "-ence" denote?

The suffix "-ence" indicates the quality of, act of, or state of being, such as "existence" (state of being).

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What does the suffix "-ful" convey?

The suffix "-ful" indicates being full of something, like "fearful" (full of fear).

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What does the suffix "-ness" signify?

The suffix "-ness" indicates a quality or state, like "kindness" (the quality of being kind).

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What does the suffix "-ic" or "-ical" indicate?

The suffix "-ic" or "-ical" indicates "of" or "pertaining to", such as "athletic" (pertaining to athletes).

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What does the suffix "-ory" indicate?

The suffix "-ory" indicates a place or thing for a specific purpose, such as a "laboratory" (a place for doing work).

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What does the suffix "-logy" indicate?

Words with the suffix "-logy" indicate the study of a specific area, such as "biology" (the study of life).

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What does the suffix "-ism" convey?

Words with the suffix "-ism" denote the practice of, support of, or a doctrine, like "patriotism" (support of one's country).

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Study Notes

Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

  • A set of 20 prefixes and 14 roots unlocking the meaning of over 100,000 words is possible
  • Similarly, 29 prefixes and 25 roots can unlock the meaning of over 125,000 words when added to suffixes
  • Reviewing prefixes, suffixes, and roots helps English Language Learners (ELLs) understand relationships between languages (e.g., Latin, Spanish, French, Italian)

Table 1: 32 Prefixes

  • a, ab, abs: away from (abscond - to run away, absent - not present)
  • ad, a, ac, af, ag, an, ar, at, as: to, toward (adhere - to stick to, annex - to add, attract - to draw near)
  • anti: against (antifreeze - substance preventing freezing, antisocial - not social)
  • bi, bis: two (bicycle, biannual)
  • circum, cir: around (circumscribe - to draw around, circle)
  • com, con, co, col: with, together (contact - to touch, collect, co-worker)
  • de: away from, down, the opposite of (depart, decline, dislike)
  • dis, dif, di: apart (dishonest, distant)
  • epi: upon, on top of (epitaph, epilogue)
  • equ, equi: equal (equalize, equitable)
  • ex, e, ef: out, from (exit, eject, exhale, inject)
  • in, il, ir, im, en: in, into (impose, inactive, ignoble, irreversible, irritate) Note that some prefixes also indicate a negation

Table 2: 27 Roots

  • act, ag: to do, to act (agent, activity, aperture)
  • apert: open (aperture, basement)
  • bas: low (basement, captive)
  • cap, capt, cip, cept, ceive: to take, to hold, to seize (captive, receive, capable, recipient)
  • ced, cede, ceed, cess: to go, to give in (precede, access, proceed, credible)
  • cred, credit: to believe (credible, incredible, credit)
  • curr, curs, cours: to run (current, precursory, recourse)
  • dic, dict: to say (dict, indicate induce)
  • duc, duct: to lead (conduct, aqueduct)
  • equ: equal, even (equanimity)
  • fac, fact, fic, fect, fy: to make, to do (facile, factory, fiction).
  • fer, ferr: to carry, bring (referral)
  • graph: write (monograph, graphite)
  • mit, mis: to send (missile)
  • par: equal (parity)
  • plic: to fold, to bend, to turn (implicate, complicate)
  • pon, pos, posit, pose: to place (transpose, deposit)
  • scrib, script: to write (transcript, subscription)
  • sequ, secu: to follow (sequence)
  • spec, spect, spic: to appear, to look, to see (specimen, aspect)
  • sta, stat, sist: to stand, or make stand (constant, standing)

Table 3: 23 Suffixes

  • able, ible, ble: like, having the quality of (edible, salable)
  • acious, cous, al: the act of, a state of being (nocturnal, vivacious)
  • ance, ancy: the act of, a state of being (truancy, occupant)
  • ant, ent, er, or: one who (teacher, creator, beneficiary, respondent)
  • ar, ary: connected with, related to (ocular, cardiac)
  • ence: quality of, act of (existence)
  • ful: full of (fearful)
  • ic, ac, il, ile: of, like, pertaining to (infantile, acidic)
  • ion: the act or condition of (correction)
  • ism: the practice of, support of (patriotism)
  • ist: one who makes, does (artist)
  • ity, ty, y: the state of, character of (unity, active, quality)
  • ive: having the nature of (active, showy, impressive)
  • less: lacking, without (heartless)
  • logy: the study of (biology)
  • ment: the act of, the state of (retirement, statement)
  • ness: the quality of (eagerness)
  • ory: having the nature of, a place or thing for (laboratory)

Table 4: Taking words apart

  • Includes examples of how prefixes, roots, and suffixes combine to create words (e.g., concurrence, exaggerate, irreversible, etc.) and their meanings.

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