Prefix and Suffix
Prefix and Suffix
Verbs
e.g. prefix + verb verb
Prefix Meaning Examples
dis- reverses the meaning of the verb disappear, disallow, disarm, disconnect, discontinue
e.g. Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning "cause to be".
Suffix Example
bilingualism, biculturalism, bi- e.g. Suffix added to a verb (V), noun (N) or adjective (A)
bi- two
metalism noun
co-founder, co-owner, co-
co- joint Suffix Meaning Examples
descendant
Adjectives
Many adjectives are formed from a base of a different class with a suffix (e.g. -less, -ous). Adjectives can also be formed from other
adjectives, especially by the negative prefixes (un-, in- and non-).
The most common suffixes are -al, -ent, -ive, -ous, -ful, -less.
Suffix Example
Prefix Examples
Mixed
e.g. base with both prefix and suffix
Adjectives: uncomfortable, unavoidable, unimaginative, inactive, semi-circular
Nouns: disappointment, misinformation, reformulation
Word formation
Formal written English uses nouns more than verbs. For example, judgement rather than judge, development rather than develop,
admiration rather than admire.
There appeared to be evidence of differential treatment of children.
This is reflected in our admiration for people who have made something of their lives, sometimes against great odds, and in our
somewhat disappointed judgment of those who merely drift through life.
All airfields in the country would be nationalised, and the government would continue with the development of new aircraft as
recommended by the Brabazon Committee.
Associated with nominalisation is the occurrence of prepositional phrases, introduced by of:
judgment of those
treatment of children
development of new aircraft
-tion is the most common suffix used in this way. For example: alteration, resignation.
However others are: -ity ability, similarity, complexity; -ness blindness, darkness, preparedness; -ment development, encouragement;
-ship friendship; -age mileage; -ery robbery, bribery; -al arrival; -ance assistance, resemblance.