Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots
Root or Root Word
The basic word part that gives the word
its meaning; roots cannot stand alone.
A word part added to the beginning of a
word.
A word part added to the end of a
word.
Prefix
Suffix
Common Prefixes
Prefix
BiDis-, mis, non-, unPre-
Meaning
Two
Not, wrong
Before
Example
Bicycle
Dislike, misprint, untrue
preview
Common Suffixes
Suffix
-able, -ible
-er, -ist
-ment, -ness
Meaning
Capable or worthy of
One who
State of
Example
Likable
Dancer, motorist
Amazement, happiness
Common Roots
Root
Miss/mit
Auto
Therm
Graph
Meaning
Send
Self
Heat
Write
Example
Mission
Automatic
Thermostat
Autograph