Prefix, Suffix, Root Words
A prefix is the part of a word that comes at the beginning of a word. When you write a prefix
it is written like this:
Prefix
circum-
Hyphen
A root word is the part of a word that comes at either the beginning, middle, or sometimes the
end of a word. When you write a root word it is written like this:
Root Word
Hyphen
-spec-
Hyphen
A suffix is the part of a word that comes at the end of a word. When you write a suffix it is
written like this:
Suffix
Hyphen
-ist
Phototropic
Adjective: Tending to grow or move toward the light
-photo- + -tropeinlight + to turn = to turn
toward the light
Prefix
Root Word
Synonym
Antonym
Picture
Because they are phototrophic daisies always grow towards the sun.
Phosphorescent
Adjective: Giving off light without heat
-phos- + -phoreinlight + to bear = light-bearing
Prefix
Root Word(s)
light
Synonym
darkness
Antonym
Picture
Deja stuck phosphorescent stars on her ceiling so that it would resemble the night sky.
Photogenic
Adjective: Attractive in pictures or photographs
-photo- + -geniclight + suitable for =
suitable for photographs
Prefix
Root Word(s)
picturesque
Synonym
unattractive
Antonym
Picture
Beyonce was so photogenic that perfect strangers often asked to take her picture.
Lucid
Adjective: Easy to understand; clear
-luclight
Prefix
Root Word(s)
understandable
Synonym
confusing
Antonym
Picture
Sophie’s explanation of quantum physics was so lucid that I understood every word.
Elucidate
Verb: To make clear by explaining
efrom
Prefix
-luclight
Root Word(s)
clarify
Synonym
confuse
Antonym
Picture
The attorney asked the witness to further elucidate the information he had.
Translucent
Adjective: Allowing light to pass through
transacross or through
Prefix
-luclight
Root Word
semi transparent
Synonym
solid
Antonym
Picture
Through a translucent blue cloth draped over the window we could see the sun.
Circumspect
Adjective: Careful or mindful of rules and consequences
circum-
-spect-
around
to look at
Prefix
Root Word(s)
careful
Synonym
careless
Antonym
Picture
The marchers in the protest tried to be circumspect and not break any laws.
Prospect
Noun: That which is expected
-pro- + -spectforward + to look at
Prefix
Root Word
anticipate
Synonym
surprise
Antonym
Picture
The prospect of yet another trip to the dentist was less than thrilling.
Specter
Noun: A ghost
-specTo look at
Prefix
Root Word
phantom
Synonym
live being
Antonym
Picture
Michelle seemed to see a specter in every corner of the dark house.
Invidious
Adjective: Hateful or spiteful
in-
-vid-
against
To look
Prefix
Root Word(s)
insult
Synonym
pleasant
Antonym
Picture
During election season, many candidates make invidious speeches against their
opponents.
Providential
Adjective: Happening by good fortune; luck
-pro- + -vid-
forward + to see or look
Prefix
Root Word
lucky
Synonym
unlucky
Antonym
Picture
Through a providential series of events, Quincy found himself captain of the football team.
Improvise
Verb: To create without any preparation
imnot
Prefix
-pro- + -visforward + to look
Root Word(s)
invent; freestyle
Synonym
plan
Antonym
Picture
When Michael lost the music for his performance he was forced to improvise.