Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________Date: _________________________________________

R6.A.1.2.1 Identify how the meaning of a word is changed when an affix is added;
identify the meaning of a word from the text with an affix.

A prefix is a group of letters added before a word or base to alter its meaning and form a new word.
Examples: un- dis- re- mis- de- im- in- il- non- anti- pre-

A suffix is a group of letters added after a word or base.

Examples: - ful - less - ent - ist - tude - ist - ity - ism - ed - er - ary

Why It Matters:
Words with similar spelling or meaning can result from a base word using prefixes and suffixes. By understanding
how these prefixes and suffixes work, it is often easier to deal with unknown vocabulary.

1.) Changes in grammatical form.

The adjective 'special' can change to a verb (specialize) or a noun (specialty)

2.) Changes in meaning.

Prefixes and suffixes can change the meaning of a word
The meaning of 'possible' is reversed with the addition of the prefix im- (impossible)

3.) Changes in pronunciation.

When prefixes and suffixes are added to root words, the word stress sometimes changes
noun & verb: 'photograph' adjective: 'photographic' opposite: 'unphotographic'.

Practice Using Affixes

Directions: Fill in the blank using the correct suffix or prefix for each root word.

1.) The supervisor ________________ about the situation in the factory. (inquire)

2.) Ms. Marcischak’s comments were ________________to Tavian. They did not assist his understanding. (help)

3.) Isaiah was very ______________to my family for providing him with food and shelter. (thank)

4.) Three of his answers were _________________ so the teacher marked them wrong. (correct)

5.) The recipe requires that I ________________ the oven before I bake the cake. (heat)

6.) Rashida will need to ________________ her reading partner. This choice will be her second change this year.
(select)