There are many prefixes and suffixes examples but before you check you need to know what prefixes and suffixes are.
A Prefix is a letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to make a new word
For example:
- Atheist
- Autopilot
A Suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to make a new word
Table of Contents
List of Prefixes
These are some of the most common prefixes in English
refix | Meaning | Examples |
a-, an- | without, lack of, not | atheist |
ante- | before, earlier, in front of | antecedent, |
anti- | against, opposite of | antibody |
auto- | self, same | autopilot |
circum- | around, about | circumscribe |
co- | with, together | co-pilot |
com-, con- | together, with | companion, |
contra-, contro- | against, opposite | contradict |
de- | down, off, away from | devalue, deactivate, |
dis- | not, apart, away | disappear |
en- | put into, cover with | enclose |
ex- | out of, from, former | extract, ex-president |
extra- | beyond, outside, | extracurricular |
hetero- | different, other | heterosexual |
homo-, homeo- | same, alike | homosexual |
hyper- | over, more, beyond | hyperactive |
il-, im-, in-, ir- | not, without | illegal, immoral |
in- | in, into | insert |
inter- | between, among | interstellar |
intra-, intro- | within, inside | introvert |
macro- | large, prominent | macrocosm |
micro- | very small | microscope |
mono- | one, single, alone | monogamy, |
non- | not, without | nonaggressive |
omni- | all, every | omniscient |
post- | after, behind | postmortem |
pre-, pro- | before, forward | precede |
sub- | under, lower | submarine |
sym-, syn- | same time, together | symmetry |
tele- | over a distance | telecommunications |
trans- | across, beyond | transmit, transaction |
tri- | three, every third | tricycle, trimester |
un- | opposite of | unfinished, unskilled, |
uni- | one, single | unicorn |
up- | higher/better | upgrade, upload |
Suffixes
These are some most common suffixes in English
eer | engaged in something | volunteer, engineer |
-er | someone who performs an action | helper, preacher |
-ion | the action or process of | celebration, opinion |
-ity | the state or condition of | probability, equality |
-ment | the action or result of | movement |
-ness | a state or quality | fondness, awareness |
-or | a person who is something | distributor |
-sion | state or being | depression, confusion |
-ship | position held | worship, ownership |
-th | state or quality | strength, labyrinth |
Sentences with Prefixes and Suffixes
These are some examples of sentences with prefixes and suffixes in English
Let’s start with the prefixes in English
- He became a superstar overnight.
- This is a unsafe place for little children
- She is an atheist
- They won’t disappear
Let’s start with the suffixes in English
- There is a lot of confusion out there
- They worship God the way they know
- She was a preacher in the north
Video about Prefixes and Suffixes
Watch this short video about prefixes and suffixes
Most common prefixes and suffixes and what they mean : Most common prefixes and suffixes
Ways to Teach about Suffixes and Prefixes
Teaching prefixes and suffixes can be a fun and engaging experience for students. Here are some creative ways to teach these linguistic elements:
- Word Surgery: Create a “Word Surgery” activity where students play the role of surgeons and “operate” on words. Provide them with word cards, and have them add prefixes or suffixes to create new words. This hands-on approach can make the learning process more memorable.
- Affix Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt where students search for words in books, articles, or around the classroom that contain specific prefixes or suffixes. This activity encourages them to actively explore and discover words in context.
- Affix Storytelling: Ask students to write short stories or paragraphs using a set of words with prefixes and suffixes. This helps them understand how affixes contribute to the meaning of words within a larger context.
- Word Building Blocks: Provide students with building blocks or letter tiles. Ask them to physically construct words by combining prefixes, root words, and suffixes. This tactile activity can enhance their understanding of word structure.