Dictionary For Prefixes And Suffixes

Decoding the English Language: A Comprehensive Dictionary of Prefixes and Suffixes

Understanding the building blocks of words is key to mastering any language, and English is no exception. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of prefixes and suffixes, providing a detailed dictionary of common examples and their meanings. Whether you're a student struggling with vocabulary, a writer aiming to enhance your prose, or simply someone curious about the intricacies of the English language, this resource will empower you to decipher even the most complex words with confidence. We'll explore their origins, applications, and subtle nuances, transforming your understanding of word formation and linguistic structure.

What are Prefixes and Suffixes?

Before we dive into the dictionary itself, let's establish a clear understanding of prefixes and suffixes. Both are affixes, meaning they are word parts that are added to the beginning or end of a root word (also known as a base word) to modify its meaning or grammatical function.

• Prefixes: These are added to the beginning of a root word. They typically alter the meaning of the root word, often adding a negative connotation, indicating location, time, or number. For example, the prefix "un-" added to "happy" creates "unhappy," changing the meaning from positive to negative.

• Suffixes: These are added to the end of a root word. They frequently change the grammatical function of the word, such as turning a noun into an adjective or a verb into a noun. For instance, adding the suffix "-ment" to the verb "improve" creates the noun "improvement." Suffixes can also modify the meaning, often indicating degree or size.

A Dictionary of Common Prefixes and Suffixes

This section provides a detailed dictionary of prefixes and suffixes, categorized for easier navigation. Each entry includes the meaning, examples, and occasionally notes on usage or etymology.

Prefixes:

A- (an-, a-): Meaning without or not.

• Examples: amoral, atypical, anaerobic (without oxygen)

Ab-, abs-: Meaning away from or off.

• Examples: absent, abnormal, abstract

Ad- (ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, ap-, ar-, as-, at-): Meaning to or toward. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: adhere, acclaim, affix, aggregate, allude, annex, apprehend, arrange, assent, attain

Ante-: Meaning before or preceding.

• Examples: antecedent, antedate

Anti-: Meaning against or opposed to.

• Examples: antibiotic, antipathy, antidote

Auto-: Meaning self.

• Examples: autobiography, automatic, autonomy

Bene-: Meaning good or well.

• Examples: beneficial, benevolent

Bi-: Meaning two or twice.

• Examples: bicycle, bilateral, biennial

Circum-: Meaning around or about.

• Examples: circumnavigate, circumference

Co- (col-, com-, con-, cor-): Meaning together or with. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: cooperate, collaborate, combine, connect, correspond

Contra- (counter-): Meaning against or opposite.

• Examples: contradict, contrary, counterproductive

De-: Meaning down, off, from, away, or reversal.

• Examples: depart, descend, deconstruct, deactivate

Dia-: Meaning through, across, or between.

• Examples: diameter, diagonal, dialogue

Dis- (dif-, di-): Meaning apart, not, or opposite. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: disagree, disappear, diffuse, divert

En- (em-): Meaning to put into or to surround. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: enclose, empower, embed

Epi-: Meaning upon, over, or on.

• Examples: epidermis, epicenter

Ex- (e-, ef-): Meaning out or from. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: exit, expel, efface

Extra-: Meaning beyond or outside.

• Examples: extraordinary, extraterrestrial

Fore-: Meaning before or in front of.

• Examples: foresee, foretell, forehead

Hyper-: Meaning above, beyond, or excessive.

• Examples: hyperactive, hypertension

Hypo-: Meaning under, below, or deficient.

• Examples: hypothermia, hypothesis

In- (il-, im-, ir-): Meaning in, into, on, or not. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: include, inject, illegal, impossible, irregular

Inter-: Meaning between or among.

• Examples: interact, international, intercede

Intra-: Meaning within or inside.

• Examples: intravenous, intramural

Mal-: Meaning bad or ill.

• Examples: malfunction, maladjusted

Micro-: Meaning small.

• Examples: microscope, microorganism

Mid-: Meaning middle.

• Examples: midday, midsummer

Mis-: Meaning wrongly or badly.

• Examples: mistake, misinterpret, misconduct

Mono-: Meaning one or single.

• Examples: monorail, monologue

Multi-: Meaning many or much.

• Examples: multimedia, multitask

Non-: Meaning not.

• Examples: nontoxic, nonverbal

Omni-: Meaning all or everywhere.

• Examples: omnipotent, omniscient

Over-: Meaning above, beyond, or excessive.

• Examples: overestimate, oversleep

Post-: Meaning after or behind.

• Examples: postpone, postscript

Pre-: Meaning before or in front of.

• Examples: preview, preemptive

Pro-: Meaning forward, in favor of, or before.

• Examples: progress, promote, proactive

Re-: Meaning again or back.

• Examples: reread, return, rewrite

Retro-: Meaning backward or behind.

• Examples: retrospect, retroactive

Semi-: Meaning half or partly.

• Examples: semicircle, semiannual

Sub- (suc-, suf-, sug-, sup-, sus-): Meaning under or below. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: submarine, submerge, succumb, suffer, suggest, support, suspend

Super-: Meaning above, beyond, or excessive.

• Examples: superior, supernatural

Tele-: Meaning distant or far off.

• Examples: telephone, television

Trans- (tra-): Meaning across, through, or beyond. The form varies depending on the following letter for smoother pronunciation.

• Examples: transport, transmit, traverse

Tri-: Meaning three.

• Examples: triangle, tricycle

Ultra-: Meaning beyond or excessive.

• Examples: ultramodern, ultraviolet

Un-: Meaning not or opposite.

• Examples: unhappy, unlock, undo

Under-: Meaning below or beneath.

• Examples: underestimate, undersea

Suffixes:

-able, -ible: Meaning capable of or worthy of.

• Examples: lovable, credible, edible

-al, -ial: Forming adjectives.

• Examples: natural, musical, territorial

-ance, -ence: Forming nouns indicating a state or quality.

• Examples: importance, independence, defiance

-ant, -ent: Forming nouns indicating a person or thing that performs an action.

• Examples: assistant, student, president

-ar, -er, -or: Forming nouns indicating a person or thing that performs an action or a doer.

• Examples: scholar, teacher, actor

-ary: Forming nouns indicating a place or thing associated with something.

• Examples: library, dictionary, aviary

-ate: Forming verbs or nouns.

• Examples: activate, delegate, graduate

-ation, -ition: Forming nouns indicating an action or process.

• Examples: activation, addition, decision

-ed: Past tense verb ending.

• Examples: walked, talked, played

-ee: Forming nouns indicating the recipient of an action.

• Examples: employee, nominee, interviewee

-en: Forming verbs.

• Examples: strengthen, widen, lengthen

-er, -or: Comparative adjective ending.

• Examples: bigger, taller, stronger

-est: Superlative adjective ending.

• Examples: biggest, tallest, strongest

-ful: Meaning full of.

• Examples: beautiful, helpful, joyful

-fy, -ify: Forming verbs meaning to make.

• Examples: beautify, simplify, magnify

-ing: Present participle verb ending or gerund.

• Examples: running, singing, dancing

-ion, -tion, -sion: Forming nouns.

• Examples: action, reaction, decision

-ish: Forming adjectives indicating a resemblance or slight degree.

• Examples: childish, reddish, foolish

-ism: Forming nouns indicating a doctrine, belief, or practice.

• Examples: capitalism, socialism, feminism

-ist: Forming nouns indicating a person who practices or believes in something.

• Examples: capitalist, socialist, feminist

-ity, -ty: Forming nouns indicating a quality or state.

• Examples: activity, ability, honesty

-ive: Forming adjectives.

• Examples: active, creative, effective

-less: Meaning without.

• Examples: hopeless, careless, fearless

-ly: Forming adverbs.

• Examples: quickly, happily, sadly

-ment: Forming nouns.

• Examples: improvement, enjoyment, judgment

-ness: Forming nouns indicating a quality or state.

• Examples: happiness, kindness, sadness

-ship: Forming nouns indicating a state, condition, or skill.

• Examples: friendship, leadership, craftsmanship

-some: Meaning tending to or causing.

• Examples: troublesome, lonesome, tiresome

-tion, -sion: Forming nouns.

• Examples: action, decision, expansion

-ward, -wards: Meaning in the direction of.

• Examples: homeward, backwards

-y: Forming adjectives.

• Examples: happy, sleepy, rainy

Understanding the Nuances: Beyond the Basic Definitions

While this dictionary provides a foundational understanding, the usage and meaning of prefixes and suffixes can be nuanced. Context plays a crucial role in determining the precise meaning of a word. For instance, the prefix "un-" often signifies a negation, but in some cases, it can indicate a reversal of an action (e.g., "untie"). Similarly, suffixes can subtly alter the emphasis or connotation of a word.

Practical Application: Enhancing Your Vocabulary and Writing

Understanding prefixes and suffixes is not simply an academic exercise; it's a practical skill with real-world applications. By recognizing these word parts, you can:

• Expand your vocabulary: You can decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words by breaking them down into their component parts. This is especially helpful when encountering complex or technical terminology.

• Improve your reading comprehension: Quickly understanding the meaning of words enhances your reading speed and overall comprehension.

• Enhance your writing: Using prefixes and suffixes appropriately adds precision and sophistication to your writing, helping you choose the most accurate and effective words to convey your meaning.

• Strengthen your analytical skills: Analyzing word structure improves critical thinking and linguistic awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there any prefixes or suffixes that have multiple meanings?

A: Yes, many prefixes and suffixes can have multiple meanings depending on the context. The dictionary entries above highlight some of these variations. Paying attention to the surrounding words and the overall sentence structure is crucial in determining the correct meaning.

Q: How do I learn prefixes and suffixes effectively?

A: The most effective approach involves consistent practice. Start by focusing on a small group of prefixes and suffixes, mastering their meanings and usage through examples. Then gradually expand your knowledge, incorporating new affixes as you encounter them in your reading and writing. Flashcards and vocabulary building exercises can also be very helpful.

Q: Are there any resources beyond this dictionary that can help me learn more?

A: While this dictionary provides a strong foundation, exploring etymology books and online linguistic resources can further enrich your understanding. Looking up the origins of words can often shed light on the nuances of their meaning and usage.

Conclusion: Embark on a Journey of Linguistic Discovery

Mastering prefixes and suffixes is a journey of linguistic discovery. It unlocks a deeper understanding of word formation, enhances vocabulary, improves reading comprehension, and refines writing skills. This comprehensive dictionary serves as your starting point, but the true mastery comes from consistent practice and exploration. So, delve into the fascinating world of affixes, and witness how your linguistic abilities transform. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the enriching experience of deciphering the intricate beauty of the English language.