Prefixes
What is a prefix?
A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word.
What is a suffix?
A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word.
What is a derivational affix?
It is an affix that makes a new word.
What is an inflectional affix?
It is an affix that shows grammar, not new meaning.
What is affixation?
It is adding prefixes or suffixes to a word.
What does the prefix “un-” mean?
It means “not” or “opposite” (e.g., unhappy = not happy).
What does the suffix “-er” do?
It shows a person who does something (e.g., teacher).
Does it change the word type?
Yes, it often changes the word type (e.g., happy → happiness).
How many inflectional affixes are in English?
There are 8.
Why do we use affixation?
To change meaning or grammar.
What does the prefix “re-” mean?
It means “again” (e.g., rewrite = write again).
What is the difference between “-ness” and “-ity”?
Both make nouns, but “-ness” is more common and simple.
What happens in “teach → teacher”?
The verb becomes a noun.
What do “-s”, “-ed”, and “-ing” show?
“-s” shows plural, “-ed” shows past, “-ing” shows continuous action.
What is the difference between prefix and suffix?
A prefix is at the beginning, a suffix is at the end.
What is the difference between “dis-” and “mis-”?
“Dis-” means not or opposite, while “mis-” means wrong (e.g., disagree vs misunderstand).
Give two suffixes that make nouns from verbs.
“-er” and “-tion” (e.g., teach → teacher, act → action).
What do derivational affixes add?
They add new meaning to the word.
Do they change the word type?
No, they do not change the word type.
How does affixation create new words?
By adding affixes to a base word (e.g., kind → unkind).
How does a prefix change the meaning of a word?
A prefix changes the meaning but not the word type (e.g., appear → disappear).
What happens when we add more than one suffix?
The word becomes longer and more specific (e.g., help → helpful → helpfulness).
Why are they important?
They help create new words in the language.
What is the main difference from derivational affixes?
Inflectional affixes show grammar, but derivational affixes make new words.
Why is affixation important in English?
It helps us understand and build many words.