In this unit you will learn how new words can be built by using prefixes and suffixes.
Prefixes and suffixes
With the use of prefixes and suffixes you can create new words or change the meaning of words. The knowledge about so-called affixes will help you to extend your vocabulary, to figure out the meaning of unknown words and thus to express yourself more clearly in spoken and written English.
- Prefixes consist of a letter or group of letters at the beginning of a word. Prefixes change the meaning of words.
- Suffixes consist of a letter or group of letters at the end of a word. Suffixes change the word type.
Here is an overview of some commonly used prefixes and suffixes and their respective influence:
| prefix | word | suffix |
|---|---|---|
| un- | happy | -ness |
| in- | correct | -ness |
| mis- | interpret | -ation |
| inter- | nation | -al |
An overview of common prefixes
| prefixes expressing opposite meaning | examples |
|---|---|
| un- | unemployed, unfair, unhappy, unfriendly, untrue, unpleasant, unreal, unlock … |
| in- | incorrect, independent, invisible, insecure, inconvenient … |
| im- (vor 'm' oder 'p') | impatient, impolite, impossible, immigration, improbable, import, imprison … |
| il (nur vor 'l') | illegal, illogical … |
| ir- (nur vor 'r') | irregular, irrelevant, irresponsible … |
| dis- | dishonest, disagree, disappear, dislike, disbelief, disadvantage ... |
| prefixes changing the meaning in other ways | examples |
|---|---|
| over- (= zu viel) | overheat, overworked, overcrowded, overtake, overcome … |
| under- (= zu wenig) | underestimate, underpaid, undervalued … |
| mis- (= falsch, schlecht) | misinterpret, misunderstand, misbehave, mistrust … |
| re- (= wieder) | rewrite, rebuild, remarry, rediscover … |
| trans- (= über) | transatlantic, transplant, transform … |
| out- (= besser als) | outplay, outskirts, outnumber … |
| inter- (= zwischen) | international, intermediate, interact … |
An overview of common suffixes
| noun suffixes | examples |
|---|---|
| -ment | development, agreement, payment, movement, argument … |
| -tion / -ation / -ition / -sion | intention, communication, addition, decision, pollution, organisation … |
| -ance / -ence | entrance, difference, existence, importance, appearance … |
| -ty / -ity | safety, possibility, necessity, activity, cruelty …. |
| -ness | happiness, stillness, illness, politeness … |
| -ship | friendship, hardship, leadership … |
| adjective suffixes | examples |
|---|---|
| -y | stormy, windy, rainy, hungry, wealthy … |
| -less | useless, hopeless, endless, fearless … |
| -ful | careful, helpful, wonderful, thoughtful … |
| -able / -ible | possible, understandable, incredible, acceptable, comfortable, responsible … |
| -ic | economic, fantastic, scientific … |
| -ent / -ant | confident, different, pleasant, apparent … |
| -ive | active, expensive, relative … |
| -ial | serial, financial, official … |