Prefix Power
What does the prefix un- mean?
not
What does the suffix -less mean?
without
What is the base word in physicist?
physics
The astronaut felt weightless as she floated in space.
What does the word weightless mean?
A. very heavy
B. without weight
C. full of weight
D. hard to lift
B. without weight
The astronaut felt weightless in space.
What does weightless mean?
no weight
What does midair mean using the prefix mid-?
in the middle of the air
What does weightless mean?
without weight
What is the base word in uncomfortable?
comfort
He showed signs of nervousness before the big game.
What does nervousness most nearly mean?
A. feeling calm
B. feeling worried or anxious
C. feeling excited
D. feeling tired
B. feeling worried or anxious
She spoke with a communication expert.
What does communication mean?
sharing information
What does the prefix trans- mean?
across
What does -ist mean in specialist?
a person who
What is the base word in expectation?
expect
The specialist helped solve the problem quickly.
What does the word specialist mean?
A. a person who knows a lot about something
B. a person who is confused
C. a person who is learning something new
D. a person who avoids problems
A. a person who knows a lot about something
He showed signs of nervousness before the test.
feeling nervous
How does the prefix un- change comfortable?
not comfortable
What does -ness mean in nervousness?
state of being
Why is the base word important?
gives main meaning
Good communication is important when working on a team.
What does communication most nearly mean?
A. working alone
B. sharing information or ideas
C. solving problems quickly
D. giving instructions
B. sharing information or ideas
The specialist helped fix the problem.
an expert
Break apart the word “uncomfortable” into prefix, base word, and explain how the prefix changes the meaning.
un- = not
comfort = base word
→ uncomfortable = not comfortable
Break apart the word “nervousness” and explain how the suffix changes the meaning of the base word.
nervous = feeling worried
-ness = state of being
→ nervousness = the state of being nervous
Why is knowing the base word important when trying to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word? Give an example.
The base word gives the main meaning
Example: comfort → uncomfortable = not comfortable
The pilot spotted a bird flying in midair.
Which phrase best explains the meaning of midair?
A. before landing
B. under the ground
C. in the middle of the air
D. near the ground
C. in the middle of the air
The ball floated in midair.
in the air