Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes

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Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes

• OH MY!

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Quick ReviewPrefix, 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.

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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
  doesnt work?)
• You might see if you recognize part of the word.
• You can use prefixes to help determine the
  general meaning!

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For Example

• Improper garbage disposal can cause contamination
  of subterranean water sources. Relocating garbage
  dumps doesnt 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
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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.
• What can you infer this means?
• Incorrigible, Ignoble, Irrevocable

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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