50 Examples of Prefixes and Suffixes, Definition and Examples
PREFIXES
Prefixes are used to change the meaning of a word. A syllable word or group of syllables added to the beginning of a word. Prefixes help to add meaning to words and make it possible to create new words that are easily understood everywhere. Understanding a few prefix examples will help you understand the logic of new words and use them appropriately.
For example, consider the prefix de-. This prefix means getting something back. It is usually added to a verb. You can then activate the verb. Likewise, you can parse, add to other verbs.
Negative Prefixes
Some prefixes translate the original meaning of the new word into its opposite meaning.
For example:
contra
Examples: contradict, contraindicated, contrarian
de
Examples: deactivate, degrade, de-icer
dis
Examples: disagree, disapprove, disconnect
il-/im-/in-/ir
Examples: illegal, impermeable, injustice, irreversible
non
Examples: nonexistent, nonfiction, non-negotiable,
un
Examples: unkind, unresponsive, unruly
- In addition, some prefixes add new meanings to the word. Repeat, negative, positive, etc. It is always important to know the basic meaning of the sentence. With the prefix to the word, the sentence gains meaning.
Other Common Prefixes
There are many prefixes that don’t negate the original meaning of the root word, but rather alter it in unique ways, such as expressing relationships of place, time or manner.
ante-
Examples: antebellum, antediluvian
circum-
Examples: circumnavigate, circumscribe, circumvent
co-/com-/con-
Examples: coexist, commiserate, contact
en
Examples: encase, endow, envelope
ex-/exo-
Examples: exhale, extend, exoskeleton
extra
Examples: extracurricular, extraterrestrial, extravert
hyper
Examples: hyperactive, hyperspace, hypertension,
inter-
Examples: interactive, intersect, interstate
mega
Examples: megaphone, megaton
micro
Examples: microcosm, microphone, microscope
mid
Examples: midnight, midseason, midterm
mis
Examples: misappropriate, misunderstand, misuse
mono
Examples: monogamous, monotone
over
Examples: overcook, overdone, overwrought
post
Examples: postdate, postscript, post-war
pre-
Examples: prefix, preliminary, preschool
re-
Examples: reconsider, re-evaluate
rewrite / semi
Examples: semiconductor, semester
sub-
Examples: subjugate, submarine
Suffixes
A suffix is a letter added to the end of a word to create a new word or to change the function of the original word. It can also be a group of letters. In other words, a suffix is put at the end of a word to change its meaning. For Detailed Suffixes List;
Here are 20 Examples of Suffixes and Examples;
1. Suffix -acy
Democracy, accuracy, lunacy
2. Suffix – al
Remedial, denial, trial, criminal
3. Suffix -ance
Nuisance, ambience, tolerance
4. Suffix -dom
Freedom, stardom, boredom
5. Suffix -er, -or
Reader, creator, interpreter, inventor, collaborator, teacher
6. Suffix -ism
Judaism, scepticism, escapism
7. Suffix -ist
Geologist, protagonist, sexist, scientist, theorist, communist
8. Suffix -ity, -ty
Extremity, validity, enormity
9. Suffix -ment
Enchantment, argument
10. Suffix -ness
Heaviness, highness, sickness
11. Suffix -ship
Friendship, hardship, internship
12. Suffix -ate
Mediate, collaborate, create
13. Suffix -en
Sharpen, strengthen, loosen
14. Suffix -ify, -fy
Justify, simplify, magnify, satisfy
15. Suffix -ise, -ize
Publicise, synthesise, hypnotise
16. Suffix -able, ible
Edible, fallible, incredible, audible
17. Suffix -al
Fiscal, thermal, herbal, colonial
18. Suffix -esque
Picturesque, burlesque, grotesque
19. Suffix -ful
Handful, playful, hopeful, skilful
20. Suffix -ic, -ical
Psychological, hypocritical, methodical, nonsensical, musical
Suffixes that make NOUNS
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
| –age | A result | Wreckage |
| –ance | An action or state | Importance |
| -ant | A person | Asistant |
| –ee | A person | Referee |
| -ence | An action or state | Difference |
| -er/or | A person | Teacher |
| –ery | A type or place of work | Bakery |
| –ess | Makes a feminine form | Waitress |
| -ful | As much as will fill | Spoonful |
| –ing | An action or result | Painting |
| –ion | A process, state orresult | Decoration |
| –ism | A belief or condition | Judaism |
| –ist | A person | Florist |
| –ment | An action or state | Measurement |
Suffixes that make ADJECTIVE
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
| –able | Able to be | Inflatable |
| -en | Made of | Woolen |
| -ful | Full of | Beautiful |
| –ible | Ability | Flexible |
| –ish | A little | Greenish |
| –less | Without | Careless |
| –like | Similar to, like | Lifelike |
| –ous | Full of | Joyous |
| –some | A tendency to | Quarrelsome |
