Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes OH MY!

Quick Review: Prefix, Root and Suffix? A prefix is one or more syllables placed BEFORE a root word. A suffix is one or more syllables added at the end of a root word.

Why do I need to know these? If you are reading and you come across a word that you do not know, there are a couple good ways to define that word. You might use context clues (but what if that doesn’t work?) You might see if you recognize part of the word. You can use prefixes to help determine the general meaning!

For Example… Improper garbage disposal can cause contamination of subterranean water sources. Relocating garbage dumps doesn’t necessarily solve this incredibly malignant problem. Laws preceding the discovery of this problem were predictably relaxed in terms of garbage disposal. Can you define: -Improper -Subterranean - Malignant - Preceding

Common Prefixes Sub-, Suc-, suf-, sug-, sus- The latin prefix sub- means “under” “below” or “secretly”. Adding sub- to the root word “script” makes Subscript. What can you infer this means? Subculture, Subdivision, Substandard ig-, il-, im-, in-, ir- These prefixes mean “not” “Into” “on” or “in”. Adding in- to the root word “accessible” makes Inaccessible. Incorrigible, Ignoble, Irrevocable

Common Prefixes Cont. Macro-, micro-, mega- Macro means large or long and micro means small. Mega means large or great. Add macro- to the root molecule makes Macromolecule. What type of molecule is this? Microsurgery, microscope, macroeconomics Mal- , Mis- Mal- means “bad” or wrongful & mis- is “wrong.” Add mal- to the root word function makes malfunction. Misfire, Malignant, Misconduct