When added to a root word, a prefix or a suffix changes the meaning of that root word. Many English words are formed by taking the basic word, or root word, and adding combinations of prefixes and suffixes to them.
Familiarity with the root words, prefixes and suffixes help students understand the meaning of new words.
For example:
The word premade.
The prefix is pre.
The root word is made.
Made means: form, compose or prepare.
Pre- means before.
So premade means prepared before.
We’ve created a series of worksheets at the grade 3 level for students to practice the meaning of prefixes, suffixes and root words.
Identify the new words from prefixes and suffixes
In these worksheets, students work out the meaning of new words by the definitions of root words and the added prefix or suffix.
Define the prefix and suffix words
Students are provided with three prefix and suffix words with the same root word. They practice identifying the root word and the meaning of the three prefix/suffix words.