CBSE Class 10 English Grammar: Understanding Prefixes and Suffixes with Rules and ExamplesPrefixes and Suffixes Get PDF @ Rs. 99 – All Chapter Notes Get PDF @ Rs. 199 – Class 10 Notes Prefixes and SuffixesSystem of Affixation in EnglishIn English, fixing a group of letters to a word to change its meaning, number, state or form is known as theSystem of Affixation.There are two primary types of affixation:• Prefix• SuffixPrefixA prefix is a small group of letters which are affixed at the beginning of the word.• Subsidiary• Nonviolence• IntoleranceThey perform the following functions:• Indicate presence or absence• Indicate position• Indicate qualities, size or number• Indicates time, frequency or orderTypes of PrefixesNegative PrefixesPrefixes of SizePrefixes of Position or LocationPrefixes of time and sequencePrefixes of numbers and amountMiscellaneous PrefixesSuffixA suffix is a group of letters which are fixed to the end of a root word or a base word. They perform the following functions:• Change the part of speech of the word• Indicate whether the number is singular or plural• Indicate the tense of the verb• Indicate the gender of a nounTypes of SuffixesNoun SuffixesSuffixes of VerbsSuffixes of AdjectivesSuffixes of AdverbsRoot Words and Base Words• The root word and the base words are the parts which contain the primary meaning of the word.• Prefixes and suffixes are added to root and base words to create new words and ideas.Root Word• A root word cannot stand on its own as an independent word.• It needs the addition of the prefix or the suffix for the completion of its meaning.• For example, let us consider the words amphibian, regeneration and subtraction.• In the above cases, the roots -bi-, -generat- and -tract- cannot stand alone as individual words.• They are therefore known as root words.Base Word• A base word, unlike a root word, can stand on its own like an independent word.• It does not need the addition of the prefix or suffix in order to function as a stand-alone word.• For example, let us consider the words redone, nonviolent and unmoved.• In the above examples, done, violent and moved can function as independent words.Common Root WordsHow to Use the Affixation System• Thorough knowledge of the English affixation system helps us in guessing the meaning of the word purely by the means of its Prefix-Root-Suffix structure.• Because of the limitations of our memory, it is not easy to mug up a large number of words at a time.• We may find it difficult to associate the meaning of the word with its structure.• With the knowledge of the affixation system, we can guess the meaning of the given word.In this manner, we can guess the meanings of the words solely by the virtue of their roots.Thus, in order to have a rich vocabulary, students should learn the Prefix-Root-Suffix method. It is an interesting way to expand your vocabulary with a little effort. Students who are well-versed with the affixation system find it easier to tackle difficult words and are more confident about their word usage. It will definitely give you an edge over the others when it comes to vocabulary.Base wordAffixationWorddetermined pre + determineddetermined pre + determinedpredeterminedplayplay + erplayerweeklybi + weeklybiweeklyfollowfollow + ingfollowingamoralwithout moralsinjectedput intocongenitalpresent from birthhypodermicunder the skincircumnavigateto sail aroundantechambera chamber before anotherInterstellarbetween starsthermometerheat measuring instrumentmacrocosmbig world or universepolyglotsomeone who speaks many languagespost datedlater than the stipulated dateredodo againprimaryfirstPrefixMeaningUsageun-notuncomfortable, unbearable, unforgivablein-notincomplete, indecisive, independentdis-opposite ofdisinterested, disproportionate, displeasureir-notirresponsive, irresponsible, irrevocableil-notillogical, illegitimate, illegibleim-notimprobable, impossible, impenetrablenon-notnonviolent, nonchalant, non-invasivemis-wrong/wronglymisinterpret, misunderstand, miscalculationmis-hatemisogynist, misogamist, misanthropemal-bad/ badlymalfunction, malevolent, malediction, malnutritionanti-againstantinational, antibacterial, antibioticsde-down, reducedescend, decry, deject, demote, declinea-without, notasocial, amorphous, abiotic, atrophydis-apart, off, awaydisband, disturb, disburse, dismissdys-baddystopia, dysfunctional, dyslexiaPrefixMeaningUsageinter-betweeninterstellar, intermediate, interval, intervenesuper-over, abovesuperfluous, supersede, superintendent, supervisortrans-acrosstransfer, transport, transgress, transmitex-outexterior, external, extraneous, extractin-/ im-insideinternal, induce, imbibe, impregnate, influencesub-, suc-, susundersubterranean, susceptible, submit, submarinesur-oversurface, surfeit, surrender, survive, surchargecircum-aroundcircumspect, circumnavigate, circumscribe, circumventperi-aroundperimeter, periscope, perimortemper-throughpercolate, pervade, perfect, perforated, perceiveinfra-belowinfrared, infravision, infrarealismab-awayabduct, abstain, abjure, abdicatecontra-againstcontravene, contradict, contralto, contrastde-downdescend, decline, demote, decreasedia-acrossdiagonal, diaphanous, diachronical, diagnosishyper-overhypertrophy, hyperactivity, hyperbole, hypertensionhypo-underhypothermia, hypothyroidob-againstobloquy, obnoxious, object, obfuscatepro-forprologue, provide, protect, project, procreatesyn-, sym-togethersynthesis, syndicate, sympathyultra-beyondultraviolet, ultramodern, ultra-royalist, ultrasonicunder-underunderground, underachiever, underestimatemeta-beyondmetastasis, metabolise, metamorphic, metaphysicsmid-betweenmidterm, middle, middayby-nearbypass, bygone, by-productepi-uponepidermis, epilogue, epitaphpost-backpostern, posteriorPrefixMeaningUsagepre-beforeprevent, prepare, predict, premonition, preludeante-beforeantediluvian, antebellumprime- firstprime- firstprimary, primordial, prima donna, primate, primevalpost-afterposterity, posthumous, postlude, post maritalretro-beforeretrogression, retroflex, retrospectpro-beforeprogenitor, proceed, prologue, prophecy, prophylacticre-againrecur, recount, rethinkfore-beforeforetell, forestall, foresightafter-afterafter-effects, afterthoughtchron-timechronology, chroniclePrefixMeaningUsagemono-onemonotheism, monologue, monochromatic, monarchuni-oneuniverse, unitary, union, unanimous, unitybi-twobicentennial, biannual, bicycle, bigamous, bipolardu-, di-twoduo, dual, dicotyledon, dichromatictri-threetrident, tricolour, triumvirate, trifecta, trilogy, tripodquad-fourquadruple, quadruplets, quadrilateral,tetra-fourtetrapods, tetrameter,penta-fivepentagram, pentacle, pentagonquint-fivequintuplets, quintalhex-sixhexagon, hexadecimal, hexametersex- sixsex- sixsextuplets, sextetsept-sevenseptuagenarian, septupletshept-sevenheptagonal, heptathlonocta-eightoctagon, October, octopus, octupletsnov-ninenovena, Novemberdec-tendecade, decimal, decathlonhendeca-elevenhendecacolic, hendecagonaldodeca-twelvedodecahedron, dodecaphonytriskaideka-thirteentriskaidekaphobiacent-hundredcentury, century, centipedehector-thousandhector, hectogramkilo-thousandkilogrammega-millionmegaton, megahertzgiga-billiongigabytemulti-manymultimillionaire, multipurposepoly-manypolynomial, polygon, polymathPrefixMeaningUsagealb-whitealbino, albinismambi-bothambidextrous, ambivalent, ambiguousamphi-bothamphibian, amphitheatrebio-lifebiology, biohazard, biosphereauto-selfautomated, autonomous, autocratco-, com-, con-together, jointco-dependent, companion, congregationen-, em-make, becomeengender, empower, endangereu-goodeuthanasia, eulogy, euphemismcario-heartcardiovascular, cardiogramhydr-waterhydrogen, hydraulic, hydrophobiaig- badig- badignominy, ignoble, ignorantbene-goodbenevolent, benediction, benignbon-goodbon voyage, bonhomie, bonafidehomo-samehomonym, homophone, homeopathypan-allpanacea, pan Asiatic, panoramapseudo-fakepseudonymneo-, nov-newneologism, noveltyamo-, ami-loveamorous, amicable, amiableaqua-wateraqueduct, aquaticmeaning (n)meaningful (adj)beautiful (adj)beautifully (adv)subject (n)subjecting (v)girl (singular noun)girls (plural noun)stratum (singular noun )strata (plural noun)lifts (singular verb)lift (plural verb)hopped (past)hopping (continuous)steal (past)stolen (past participle)host (masculine)hostess (feminine)steward (masculine)stewardess (feminine)executor (masculine)executrix (feminine)SuffixUsageExample-alstaterefusal, betrayal, perusal-ance, -ence, -ancy, -encyquality or statemilitancy, performance-tionconditioncondition, relation-iceconditionmalice, novice, justice-er/-ordoerpainter, trainer, actor-graphrecordtelegraph, phonograph, polygraph-ismbeliefHinduism, communism, fascism-istdoerpacifist, pianist, altruist-iansomeone who doesGandhian, guardian, politician-ingname of an activityreading, gardening, sleeping-itystatecontinuity, annuity,-logythe studygeology, neurology-shipstate offriendship, kinship, sportsmanship-sion, -tionprocess ofexpansion, determination, connection-oryplacedormitory, reformatory, laboratory-orium, -ariumplacesanitarium, aquarium, crematorium-maniamadnessmonomania, bibliomania, egomania-phobiafearhydrophobia, cynophobia, mysophobia-urestatecomposure, exposure, leisure-mentstateabandonment, refinement, entertainment-nessstatehappiness, completeness, fullnessSuffixUsageExample-able-ableto makeenable, disable-ate-ateLatin origin verbsrecreate, abate, mediate-ed-edsimple past or participle formkilled, toyed, booked-en-enverbs formed from adjectivesbroken, frozen, sunken-er-eractions that have repetitive qualityblabber, snicker, mutter-fy-fydomagnify, specify, rectify-ing-ingaction in continuationhearing, yearning, making-ise-iseto make/dorevolutionise, apologise, despise-ish-ishbecome or doflourish, banish, demolish-nt-ntto doprevent, augment, content-s, -es-s, -essimple present tense formcriticises, runs, laughsSuffix Meaning UsageSuffix Meaning UsageSuffix Meaning Usage-able, -iblehaving the quality offlexible, available, eatable-alrelated toventral, global, musical-antdoingdependent, buoyant, resilient-ichaving the qualityterrific, generic, specific-esquelike, having the qualitystatuesque, picturesque-er, -estcomparative and superlative qualitiesfatter, tallest-osefull ofverbose, grandiose-fulfull ofbeautiful, boastful, grateful-ingparticiple form of adjectiveinteresting, frustrating, sleeping-istichaving the qualityrealistic, artistic, surrealistic-ivehaving the nature ofpensive, aggressive, massive-ous, -iousfull ofgaseous, spacious, graciousSuffix Meaning UsageSuffix Meaning UsageSuffix Meaning Usage-ably-ablywith a qualitycomfortably, admirably, disagreeably-ibly-iblywith a qualityaudibly, horribly, negligibly-s-sshows time or placebackwards, always, forwards-wise-wiseshows manner or positionclockwise, otherwise, lengthwiseamphi-prefix-bi-root-ansuffixre--generat--ionprefixrootsuffixsub--tract--ionprefixrootsuffixRoot Word Meaning UsageRoot Word Meaning UsageRoot Word Meaning Usage-acr-, -ac--acr-, -ac-sharp, tip, bitteracropolis, acronym, acrid, acerbic, acid, acne, acmeacropolis, acronym, acrid, acerbic, acid, acne, acme-ami-, -amo--ami-, -amo-love, friendshipamity, amicable, amiable, amorous, paramour, enamouredamity, amicable, amiable, amorous, paramour, enamoured-anim--anim-life, mindanimate, animal, unanimous, equanimous, pusillanimousanimate, animal, unanimous, equanimous, pusillanimous-anthrop--anthrop-man, mankindanthropology, misanthrope, anthropomorphicanthropology, misanthrope, anthropomorphic-agog--agog-leaddemagogy, pedagogy, synagoguedemagogy, pedagogy, synagogue-alt--alt-highaltitude, altar, altiloquentaltitude, altar, altiloquent-alter--alter-otheralter ego, alternativealter ego, alternative-apt-, -ept--apt-, -ept-abilityaptitude, apt, adept, ineptaptitude, apt, adept, inept-arch--arch-rulemonarch, oligarch , autarchy, anarchymonarch, oligarch , autarchy, anarchy-avi--avi-fly, birdavian, aviationavian, aviation-bell--bell-war, fightrebel, bellicose, belligerentrebel, bellicose, belligerent-burs--burs-purse, moneyreimburse, disburse, bursaryreimburse, disburse, bursary-cap-, - cept--cap-, - cept-seizecapture, interceptcapture, intercept-cap--cap-headcapital, decapitatecapital, decapitate-carn--carn-fleshcarnal, carnage, carnivorouscarnal, carnage, carnivorous-cede-, -cess--cede-, -cess-goincessant, accede, recedeincessant, accede, recede-cide--cide-killsuicide, homicide, regicide, parricide, insecticide, pesticidesuicide, homicide, regicide, parricide, insecticide, pesticide-clin-, -cliv--clin-, -cliv-slopeincline, recline, acclivity, declivityincline, recline, acclivity, declivity-corp--corp-bodycorpuscles, corporation, incorporationcorpuscles, corporation, incorporation-crat-, -cracy--crat-, -cracy-rulerdemocrat, bureaucrat, theocracydemocrat, bureaucrat, theocracy-cred--cred-beliefcredibility, credit, credulouscredibility, credit, credulous-culp--culp-fault, guiltculpable, culpritculpable, culprit-dic--dic-speakdictation, dictator, dictionarydictation, dictator, dictionary-doc--doc-teachdocument, doctrinedocument, doctrine-dol--dol-sadnessdolour, condolence, dolefuldolour, condolence, doleful-duc--duc-leadabduct, induct, ductileabduct, induct, ductile-ego--ego-selfegocentric, egoist, egomaniacegocentric, egoist, egomaniac-equ--equ-equalequal, equality, equityequal, equality, equity-fac-, -fic--fac-, -fic-to dofactory, factory, fiction, manufacturefactory, factory, fiction, manufacture-fal--fal-falsefallacy, fallible, falsefallacy, fallible, false-fid-, -fed--fid-, -fed-faithfidelity, confederation, infidelfidelity, confederation, infidel-flu-, -flux--flu-, -flux-flowfluvial, fluent, influxfluvial, fluent, influx-fort--fort-luckfortuity, fortunefortuity, fortune-fort--fort-strengthfort, fortitude, fortifyfort, fortitude, fortify-gen--gen-birthgeneration, genre, generate, genome, geneticgeneration, genre, generate, genome, genetic-grad--grad-stepgradual, gradegradual, grade-graph--graph-writegraphic, graphology, biographygraphic, graphology, biography-grat--grat-pleasegrateful, gratitudegrateful, gratitude-grav-, -griev--grav-, -griev-serious, sadgrave, grieve, aggravategrave, grieve, aggravate-greg--greg-crowdgregarious, congregation, segregationgregarious, congregation, segregation-gress--gress-goprogress, ingress, egress, congressprogress, ingress, egress, congressRoot WordMeaningUsage-helio-, -heli--helio-, -heli-sunhelium, heliocentric-hol--hol-wholeholistic, holocaust-ject-, -jet--ject-, -jet-throwjettison, eject, inject-journ--journ-dayjournal, journey, adjourn-jud-, -jur--jud-, -jur-lawjudge, judicial, jury, abjure-loc-, -loq--loc-, -loq-speakelocution, colloquial, loquacious-log-, -logy--log-, -logy-study, word, signbiology, zoology, neologism, logo-luc--luc-lighttranslucent, lucid, pellucid-man--man-handmanual, manufacture, manuscript-magn--magn-largemagnanimous, magnificent, magnum-mit-, -mis--mit-, -mis-let, allowadmit, permission, intermittent-med-, -mid--med-, -mid-middlemedieval, Mediterranean, middle, midday-nom-, -nym--nom-, -nym-nameanonymous, pseudonym-nox-, -noc--nox-, -noc-night, harmfulequinox, nocturnal, noxious, obnoxious, innocuous-path--path-feelsympathy, empathy, antipathy-phil--phil-lovephilosopher, bibliophile-photo--photo-lightphotograph, photosynthesis-scribe-, -script--scribe-, -script-writescript, scribe, scribble, scripture-sent-, -sense--sent-, -sense-feelsentimental, sensational, sensible-soph--soph-wisdomsophisticated, philosophy-terr--terr-landterritory, territorial, terrestrial, terrain, terracotta-vis-, -vid--vis-, -vid-sightvisual, video-vac--vac-emptyvacuum, vacation, vacant-vol--vol-flyvolatile, volley-zoo--zoo-animalzoology, zoophile, zooWordMeaninginnocuousharmlessunanimoustogether in agreementtranslucentallowing light to passPrefixRootSuffixMeaningin- (not)noc- (harmful)-uous(having the quality of)not harmfuluni- (one)-anim-(war)-ous (belonging to)with a single mind (unitedly)trans- (talk)luc (light)-ent (quality of)light passing across JOIN TELEGRAM CHANNEL Join Our WhatsApp Channel JOIN NOW