Prefixes Study Guide
What are Prefixes?
A prefix is a group of letters added at the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Understanding prefixes can help you figure out the meanings of unfamiliar words.
Common Prefixes
Here are some common prefixes and their meanings:
- pre-: before, earlier
- re-: again, back
- un-: not
- dis-: not, opposite of
- mis-: wrong, bad
- bi-: two
- tri-: three
- sub-: under, below
- super-: above, beyond
How to Use Prefixes
To use prefixes, simply add the prefix to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. For example, "un" + "happy" = "unhappy" (not happy).
Practice Exercises
Now that you know some common prefixes, try these practice exercises:
- What does the prefix "re-" mean? Give an example of a word with this prefix.
- Use the prefix "pre-" to create a new word from the base word "view".
- Find a word that contains the prefix "bi-" and explain its meaning.
[Prefixes] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂English Language Arts Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. Root Words
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Root Words 
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X Marks the Spot
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Reading Standards: Foundational Skills
Phonics and Word Recognition
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. [RF.5.3]
Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of context. [RF.5.3a]
Language Standards
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on Grade 5 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. [L.5.4]
Use common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word (e.g., photograph, photosynthesis). [L.5.4b]