Understanding Affixes

Affixes are small word particles, usually only a few letters, added to a base or root word to change its meaning or grammatical properties. Based on the definition, which example below is an affix?

• joy

• ful

• reread

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'ful', which is an affix that can be added to the root word 'joy' to form 'joyful'. 'Reread' is a compound word, and 'joy' is a root word, not an affix.

Grace is learning about prefixes in her language class. She needs to identify which word has a prefix attached. Can you help her choose the correct word?

• understated

• understanding

• under

Answer explanation

The word 'understated' contains the prefix 'under', which modifies the meaning of the root word 'stated'. The other options do not have a prefix attached to a root word, making 'understated' the correct choice.

Identify the word that contains a suffix added to its base form.

• happy

• happiness

• happily

Answer explanation

The word 'happiness' contains the suffix '-ness' added to the base form 'happy'. This suffix transforms the adjective into a noun, indicating a state or quality.

Which of the following best describes a base word?

• A base word is a standalone word that can form other words with prefixes or suffixes. Example: joyful (base: joy)

• A base word cannot exist independently and requires additional elements to form a complete word.

• Base words and root words are identical and interchangeable terms.

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines a base word as a standalone word that can form new words with prefixes or suffixes, like 'joy' in 'joyful'. This distinguishes it from words that cannot exist independently.

Which statement best describes a root word?

• A root word is a complete word that can stand alone without any prefixes or suffixes.

• A root word is a basic word part that requires additional prefixes or suffixes to form a complete word.

• A root word is identical to a base word and can form new words by adding prefixes.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that a root word is a basic word part needing prefixes or suffixes to create a complete word. This highlights that root words alone do not convey full meaning without additional elements.

Which of the following are three examples of root words?

• aud-

  aqua-

  circum-

• -ed

  -ing

  -ion

• joy

  play

  record

Answer explanation

The correct choices, aud-, aqua-, and circum-, are root words that form the basis of many English words. In contrast, -ed, -ing, and -ion are suffixes, while joy, play, and record are complete words, not roots.

Add the correct affix/affixes to complete the sentence.

Yesterday, she __________ her hair using a comb and conditioner. (tangle)

• detangled

• untangle

• retangled

• tangled

What does the Latin roots "dice, dict" means?

• to make

• to see

• to say

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.6.4D

What is the root word in the term 'unhappiness'?

• -ness

• happy

• un-

The best way to determine if a word has an affix added is to do the following.

• Learn the most common prefixes and suffixes and their meanings.

• Learn the most common root words and which prefixes and suffixes can be added to them to create new words.

• There is no way to identify affixes; you just have to guess if an affix is added to a word.

Answer explanation

Learning the most common prefixes and suffixes along with their meanings helps identify affixes in words. This knowledge allows you to recognize how affixes modify root words, making it easier to determine if an affix is present.