Have you ever noticed how many English words are made up of parts? For example, the word prefixes themselves have a prefix (pre-) and a suffix (-fix).
In this lesson, we’ll be looking at some common prefixes and suffixes and giving examples of words that contain them. By understanding these common parts of English words, you can better understand new vocabulary when you encounter it.
Prefix Words and Examples
Below are some common prefixes along with examples:
| auto- | automatic, autonomous |
| bi- | bimonthly, bipartisan |
| de- | deactivate, declassify |
| dis- | disconnect, dislike |
| en- | encode, enlarge |
| ex- | ex-boyfriend, ex-president |
| extra- | extraterrestrial, extradimensional |
| fore- | forecasting, forensics |
| infra- | infrastructure, infrared |
| inter- | international, intersection |
| intra- | intravenous, intranet |
| macro- | macromolecule, macrosomia |
| mega- | megawatt, megalopolis |
| mid- | midterm, midpoint |
| mini- | minicab, miniskirt |
| mono- | monochrome, monologue |
| multi- | multinational, multimedia |
| neo- | neologism, neonatal |
| non- | nonsense, nonprofit |
| post- | postwar, postmortem |
Suffixes Words and Examples
Below are some common suffixes along with examples:
| -ing | playing, crying |
| -able | readable, breakable |
| -ful | helpful, joyful |
| -less | wireless, breathless |
| -ity | similarity, reality |
| -ment | government, movement |
| -ness | kindness, tiredness |
| -tion | education, communication |
| -ive | active, creative |
| -ary | documentary, filamentary |
| -ory | laboratory, accessory |
| -esque | picturesque, grotesque |
| -ward | onward, inward |
| -wise | sidewise, lengthwise |
