Prefixes and Suffixes in English: List and Examples

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



List of Prefixes

These are some of the most common prefixes in English

refixMeaningExamples
a-, an-without, lack of, not atheist
ante-before, earlier, in front of antecedent, 
anti-against, opposite of antibody
auto-self, sameautopilot
circum-around, aboutcircumscribe
co-with, togetherco-pilot
com-, con-together, withcompanion, 
contra-, contro-against, oppositecontradict
de-down, off, away fromdevalue, deactivate,
dis-not, apart, awaydisappear
en-put into, cover withenclose
ex-out of, from, formerextract, ex-president
extra-beyond, outside, extracurricular
hetero-different, otherheterosexual
homo-, homeo-same, alikehomosexual
hyper-over, more, beyondhyperactive
il-, im-, in-, ir-not, withoutillegal, immoral
in-in, intoinsert
inter-between, amonginterstellar
intra-, intro-within, inside introvert
macro-large, prominentmacrocosm
micro-very smallmicroscope
mono-one, single, alonemonogamy,
non-not, withoutnonaggressive
omni-all, everyomniscient
post-after, behindpostmortem
pre-, pro-before, forwardprecede
sub-under, lowersubmarine
sym-, syn-same time, togethersymmetry
tele- over a distancetelecommunications
trans-across, beyondtransmit, transaction
tri-three, every thirdtricycle, trimester
un- opposite ofunfinished, unskilled, 
uni-one, singleunicorn
up-higher/betterupgrade, upload

Suffixes

These are some most common suffixes in English

eerengaged in somethingvolunteer, engineer
-ersomeone who performs an actionhelper, preacher
-ion the action or process ofcelebration, opinion
-ity the state or condition ofprobability, equality
-ment the action or result ofmovement
-nessa state or qualityfondness, awareness
-or a person who is somethingdistributor
-sionstate or beingdepression, confusion
-ship position heldworship, ownership
-th state or qualitystrength, 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

  1. He became a superstar overnight.
  2. This is a unsafe place for little children
  3. She is an atheist
  4. They won’t disappear

Let’s start with the suffixes in English

  1. There is a lot of confusion out there
  2. They worship God the way they know
  3. 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.

Manuel Campos, English Professor

Manuel Campos

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English