✔ A root word is a word before a prefix or a suffix is added to it. Sometimes root words are called base words. A prefix is a group of letters added to the start of a root word that change its meaning. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a root word that change its meaning. In the word incorrect, the root word is correct. The prefix in- means not. This equation is incorrect: 4 x 8 = 34. In the word collectible, the root word is collect. The suffixes -ible or -able added to a word means able to be. A collectible is an item that can be collected, such as comic books. In the word worker, the base word is work. The suffix -er added to the word means a person who. gardener means a person who gardens Be careful with that dish! It’s breakable. (The dish would be easy to break.) In the word nonstick, the root word is stick. The prefix is non-, which means not. Use this nonstick frying pan. The prefix mis- means not. Emily misspoke. (Emily did not say the right thing.) reader means a person who reads Root Words, Prefixes & Suffixes Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4034
Add the prefix or suffix to each root word. Write the new word on the line. 1. sell + er = _____________________ 2. mis + understood = _____________________ 3. comfort + able = _____________________ 4. in + ability = _____________________ 5. non + fat = _____________________ 6. in + direct = _____________________ 7. build + er = _____________________ 8. response + ible = _____________________ 9. drive + er = _____________________ 10. non + profit = _____________________ 11. mis + heard = _____________________ 12. in + divide + ible = _______________________ (be careful—the de is dropped and a new letter is added) TAXI Root Words, Prefixes & Suffixes Visit www.newpathlearning.com for Online Learning Resources. © Copyright NewPath Learning. All Rights Reserved. 92-4034