Prefixes and Suffixes

Unit 8.5
 Affixes

Affixes are word parts that you can attach to a word to

modify its meaning or word class

• used to change parts of speech – e.g. break , breakable

• used to alter the meaning – e.g. play, replay
 Prefixes

A prefix is a group of letters placed before the root of a

word to change its meaning.
Examples
re- = again, back; e.g. redo, reunite
il- = not; e.g. illegal, illogical
ir- = not; e.g. irresponsible, irrelevant
 Suffixes
A suffix is a group of letters placed after the root of a word
which changes its meaning.
Examples
-able = able to, having the quality of; e.g. comfortable,
portable
-er = comparative & used to make a noun ; e.g. bigger,
stronger, writer, singer
-ful = full of; e.g. beautiful, grateful