Root words and Affixes

Front

What is a root word?

Back

A root word is the basic part of a word that gives it meaning. It cannot be broken down into smaller parts.

Front

What is a prefix?

Back

A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.

Front

What is a suffix?

Back

A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning.

Front

What does the prefix 'un-' mean?

Back

The prefix 'un-' means 'not'. For example, 'unhappy' means 'not happy'.

Front

What does the prefix 'dis-' mean?

Back

The prefix 'dis-' means 'opposite of' or 'not'. For example, 'disagree' means 'not agree'.

Front

What does the prefix 'tri-' mean?

Back

The prefix 'tri-' means 'three'. For example, 'tricycle' means 'a vehicle with three wheels'.

Front

What does the suffix '-ness' mean?

Back

The suffix '-ness' is used to form nouns indicating a state or condition. For example, 'happiness' means the state of being happy.

Front

What does the suffix '-ly' mean?

Back

The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs from adjectives. For example, 'quickly' means in a quick manner.

Front

What is the base word in 'happiness'?

Back

The base word in 'happiness' is 'happy'.

Front

What is the base word in 'cheerfully'?

Back

The base word in 'cheerfully' is 'cheer'.