1. Meaning -Word Analysis
Prefix
Suffix
Base Word
Root Word

2. Prefix Prefix – a word part that is added to the beginning of a word.
Suffix – a word part that is added to the end of a word.
Base Word – a complete word to which a prefix and/or suffix may be added.
Root Word – a word part to which a prefix and/or suffix must be added.

3. Determining Word Through Meaning
Words are made up of various combinations of the following parts: prefix, suffix, base word, and root word. Analysis of these parts is another way to determine an unfamiliar word’s meaning.

4. Pieces to Parts Make a Whole
The word undemocratic is made up of the prefix ”un,” the base word “democrat,” and the suffix “ic.” If you know the meanings of these parts, you can determine the meaning of the whole word.
Un- (“not”) + democrat (“a person who believes in government by the people”)
+ ic (“relating to”) = undemocratic - relating to something or someone who does not believe in government by the people

5. Words With Only a Root
Inscription is made up of the prefix “in” (into, on), the Latin root “script” (write), and the suffix “tion” (a thing that is).
Inscription means “something written on a surface, such as an engraving on a monument.

6. Prefixes – Single Meaning
Prefix Meaning Example
Bene- good benefit
Circum- around circumference
Col-, com - with, together collapse, compile
Contra- opposed contradict
Extra- outside extraordinary
Hemi- half hemisphere
Inter- between, among international
Mal- bad maltreat, malignant
Mid- halfway midday
Mis- wrong misspell

7. Create Words Through Meaning
Can you find the prefix of the following words? Is there a base word, or a root word?
Bene- Beneficial
Circum- Circumspect
Col- Collect
Com- Comprise
Con- Configure
Mal- Malaign
Mid- Midway