Affixes: Explanation and Study Guide

What are Affixes?

An affix is a group of letters added to the beginning (prefix) or end (suffix) of a word to change its meaning or form a new word. Affixes can be added to base words to create new words or modify the existing meaning of the base word.

Types of Affixes

There are two main types of affixes:

1. Prefix: A prefix is an affix added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. For example, the prefix "un-" added to the word "happy" changes its meaning to "unhappy."
2. Suffix: A suffix is an affix added to the end of a word to change its meaning. For example, the suffix "-less" added to the word "care" changes its meaning to "careless."

Common Affixes

Some common prefixes and suffixes include:

• Prefixes: un-, dis-, re-, pre-, mis-
• Suffixes: -ly, -ful, -less, -able, -ness

Study Guide

Here are some tips for studying affixes:

1. Make a list of common prefixes and suffixes and their meanings.
2. Practice identifying affixes in words and determining their meanings.
3. Create flashcards with base words and their corresponding affixed words to test your knowledge.
4. Use affixes in sentences to understand how they change the meaning of words.

Understanding affixes can help improve vocabulary and comprehension skills, as well as assist in decoding unfamiliar words while reading.

[Affixes] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Prefix/SuffixEnglish Language Arts • Sixth Grade
• Root WordsEnglish Language Arts • Sixth Grade
• Word Meaning with Prefixes/SuffixesEnglish Language Arts • Third Grade
• Syllables/Spelling PatternsEnglish Language Arts • Sixth Grade
• ContractionsEnglish Language Arts • First Grade