PREFIXES & SUFFIXES | English Lesson

Summary

In this English grammar lesson, the focus is on understanding prefixes and suffixes. Prefixes are word parts added at the beginning of a word, while suffixes are added at the end. The lesson explains how these word parts alter the meaning of base words, with examples like 'dislike' (from 'like') and 'teachable' (from 'teach'). Common prefixes and suffixes are discussed, along with words that use both. The video also includes a practice section where viewers identify prefixes and suffixes in various words. It's a great resource for those looking to improve their understanding of word formation and meaning.

Takeaways

• 😀 A prefix is a word part that comes at the beginning of certain words.
• 😀 A suffix is a word part that comes at the end of certain words.
• 😀 Not all words have prefixes or suffixes, e.g., 'dog', 'chair', and 'run'.
• 😀 Prefixes and suffixes change the meaning of the word they are attached to.
• 😀 Adding the prefix 'dis-' to 'like' forms 'dislike', meaning the opposite of like.
• 😀 Adding the prefix 'un-' to 'happy' forms 'unhappy', which changes the meaning to a negative one.
• 😀 Common prefixes in English include 'dis-', 'mis-', 'un-', 're-', 'pre-', 'im-', and 'in-'.
• 😀 Common suffixes in English include '-able', '-ism', '-ship', '-ness', '-ment', '-less', '-ive', and '-ous'.
• 😀 Some words can have both a prefix and a suffix, like 'disrespectful' (dis- + -ful).
• 😀 Prefixes and suffixes can change verbs into adjectives, as seen with 'teach' becoming 'teachable' or 'hope' becoming 'hopeful'.

Q & A

What is the difference between a prefix and a suffix?

A prefix is a word part that comes at the beginning of a word, while a suffix is a word part that comes at the end of a word.

Do all words have prefixes and suffixes?

No, not all words have prefixes and suffixes. For example, the words 'dog,' 'chair,' and 'run' do not have prefixes or suffixes.

Can you give an example of how a prefix changes the meaning of a word?

Yes, for instance, the word 'like' is positive, but adding the prefix 'dis-' to it forms 'dislike,' which means to have a negative feeling towards something.

What are some common prefixes in English?

Some common prefixes are 'dis-', 'mis-', 'un-', 're-', 'pre-', 'im-', and 'in-.'

How does adding a suffix change a word?

Adding a suffix can change the grammatical function of a word. For example, adding the suffix '-able' to 'teach' changes it from a verb (action) to an adjective ('teachable').

What are some common suffixes in English?

Common suffixes include '-able,' '-ism,' '-ship,' '-ness,' '-ment,' '-less,' '-ive,' and '-ous.'

Can a word have both a prefix and a suffix? Give an example.

Yes, a word can have both. For example, 'disrespect' has the prefix 'dis-' and the suffix '-ful' to form 'disrespectful,' which describes someone who lacks respect.

What happens when you add the prefix 're-' and the suffix '-able' to the word 'use'?

When you add the prefix 're-' to 'use,' you get 'reuse,' meaning to use something again. Adding the suffix '-able' forms 'reusable,' which describes something that can be used more than once.

Why is it important to understand prefixes and suffixes?

Understanding prefixes and suffixes helps you to expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension and communication by recognizing how words are modified to change meaning or function.

In the word 'painless,' what is the base word and what part is the suffix?

The base word of 'painless' is 'pain,' and the suffix is '-less,' which means without pain.

Can you identify the prefix and suffix in the word 'inactivity'?

In 'inactivity,' the base word is 'active,' the prefix is 'in-' meaning not, and the suffix is '-ity,' which turns it into a noun referring to the state of being inactive.