Month: March 2022

Spelling rules with examples Spelling Rules
Spelling Rules

Spelling Rules

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Spelling rules

Spelling is an integral part of any educational curriculum.  Spelling refers to the way a word is spelled. ORTHOGRAPHY is a sequence of letters composing a word. Spelling is important for communication. It has a direct impact on employment opportunities. Memorization practice is needed to become a good speller. Now let’s see the spelling rules for one syllable words.

One syllable words

A unit of pronunciation with one vowel sound and with or without consonants. Dividing the words into syllables is called syllabification.

One syllable word – fat (clap once)

Two syllable word – fat – ter(clap twice)

Three syllable word – ba – na – na(clap thrice)

Four syllable word  – cal – cu – la – tor(clap four times)

Five syllable word – su – per – an – ge – lic(clap five times)

Six syllable word – cir – cum – na – vi – ga – tion(clap 6 times)

Seven syllable word – im – mea – sur – a – bi – li – ty(clap 7 times)

Eight syllable word – bi – o – de – gra – da – bi – li – ty(clap 8 times) and so on.

There are three rules for one syllable words. 

Rule 1

One – syllable words ending in single vowel + single consonant = 

double the consonant before a suffix beginning with a vowel.

flat + er = flatter                                                      flat + est = flattest

stop + ed = stopped                                               stop + ing = stopping

run + ing = running                                                jog + ing = jogging                         

grab + ing = grabbing                                           trip + ing = tripping                                

rob + er = robber                                                    chop + ing = chopping

swim + ing = swimming                                       cut + ing = cutting

beg + ed = begged                                                  rub + ing = rubbing   

sad + est  = saddest                                               slap + ing = slapping

 

 

Rule 2

One – syllable words ending with two consonants = 

just add ‘ed’.

vote + ed = voted

rest + ed = rested

wish + ed = wished

paint + ed = painted

boat + ing = boating

Rule 3

One – syllable words ending two vowels = 

just add ‘ing’.

Two vowels work together to form a new sound. This is called a DIPHTHONG.

cloud + ed = clouded

boil + ed = boiled.

fear + ing = fearing.

Two/three syllable words

A two syllable word is a word that has two specific sounds when spoken. The easiest way to teach kids is to clap out the syllables as they say the words. 

Rule 1

Words ending in single vowel + single consonant = 

double the final consonant if the last syllable is stressed.

permit + ed = permitted

occur + ed = occurred

control + er = controller

begin + ing = beginning

 

Rule 2

Words ending in single vowel + single consonant = 

DO NOT double the final consonant if the last syllable is NOT stressed.

suffer + ing = suffering

benefit + ed = benefited

Rule 3

A few exceptions for the words like;

handicap + ed = handicapped

kidnap + er = kidnapper

worship + ed = worshipped

 

British English

If the stress does not fall on the last syllable – 

the consonant ‘l’ is doubled.

cancel + ed = cancelled

travel + er = traveller

 level + ed = levelled

quarrel + ed = quarrelled

distil + er = distiller

signal + ing = signalling

One exception to this case;

parallel + ed = paralleled

Silent 'e'

Rule 1

For words ending in silent ‘e’, drop the ‘e’ before a suffix beginning with a vowel.

bake + ing = baking

drive + er = driver

ride + ing = riding

move + ed = moved

hope + ing = hoping

live + ing = living

Silent 'e'

Rule 2

The ‘e’ remains before a suffix beginning with a consonant.

hope + ful = hopeful

engage + ment = engagement

Silent 'e'

Rule 3

A few exceptions;

whole + ly = wholly

nine + th = ninth

awe + ful = awful

due + ly = duly

true + ly = truly

argue + ment = argument

'ce' , 'ge'

Rule 1

For words ending with ‘ce’ and ‘ge’ keeps the ‘e’ when adding ‘able’ / ‘ous’.

change + able = changeable

courage + ous = courageous

peace+ able = peaceable

notice + able = noticeable

Rule 2

‘c’ and ‘g’ are pronounced soft before ‘e’. The ‘e’ is retained to avoid confusion.

singe + ing = singeing(preparation process of textile) – to avoid confusion with ‘singing’.

swinge + ing = swingeing(large or extreme in size) – to avoid confusion with ‘swinging’.

'ee'

Words that end in ‘ee’ do not drop an ‘e’ before a suffix.

flee + ing = fleeing

agree + ment = agreement

see + ing = seeing

'ie'

Words that end in ‘ie’ change to ‘y’ when ‘ing’ is added.

vie = vying

lie = lying

tie = tying

die = dying

'y'

Rule 1

Words that end in ‘y’ following a consonant changes to ‘i’ before a suffix except ‘ing’.

beauty + ful = beautiful

happy + ly = happily

carry + ed = carried

marry + age = marriage

'y'

Rule 2

Exception

marry + ing = marrying

carry + ing = carrying

'y'

Rule 3

‘y’ following a vowel does not change.

play + er = player

pray + ed = prayed

'y'

Rule 4

Exception

lay + ed = laid

say + ed = said

pay + ed = paid

day + ly = daily

gay + ly = gaily

'or' comes after 'w'

Rule 1

When ‘or’ comes after a ‘w’ it is pronounced as “wer“.

worth, work, worship, worst, word, work, world, worm, worthy.

Exceptions: 

wore, worried, worry.

'g'

Rule 1

When ‘g’ is followed by ‘i’, ‘e’, or ‘y’, it is pronounced as ‘j’. Or else ‘g’ is pronounced as ‘ga’ as in ‘guide’. 

gymnastic, gentle, giant.

gold, glass, grow, gallon, guide.

Exceptions: got, get, girl, begin, geese, gear, give, geyser, gift, girth, giddy.

'c'

Rule 1

When ‘c’ is followed by ‘i’, ‘e’, or ‘y’, it is pronounced as ‘s’. Or else ‘c’ is pronounced as ‘k’ as in ‘cat’. 

circle, cycle, center, ceiling.

cream, curious, cat, cow, clever, cottage.

'ie' / 'ei'

Rule 1

When you pronounce ‘ie’ / ‘ei’ as ‘ee’, i comes before ‘e’ except after ‘c’.

receive

deceive

deceit

conceive

conceit

receipt

yield

field

achieve

grieve

relieve

believe

'ie' / 'ei'

Rule 2

Exceptions

protein

seize

weird

surfeit

plabeian

counterfeit

'q'

Rule 1

‘q’ cannot stand on its own and so it is always written as ‘qu’.

queue, queen, quick, quarrel, quail, quiet, quiz, question, quilt, quad, quack, quotation, quite, quest, quit, quarter, quill.

Prefixes and Suffixes in detail with examples Prefixes
Prefixes & Suffixes

Prefixes

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Prefixes & Suffixes

What is a prefix?

Pre means “before”. Prefix means a word / number placed before another word. It changes the meaning of the word. It goes before the base and cannot stand on its own.  

Let us see in detail the

 – English prefixes

 – Greek prefixes

 – Latin prefixes 

Suffixes

What is a suffix?

A suffix is a word placed after another(root) word. It goes at the end of the word. It goes after the base and cannot stand on its own. 

Like prefix, adding suffixes changes the meaning of the word. 

Let’s see in detail the

 – English suffixes

 – Greek suffixes

 – Latin suffixes

Greek Suffixes list with examples Greek Suffixes
Prefixes & Suffixes

Greek Suffixes

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Greek suffixes

Suffixes are added at the end of the root word (base word) which as a result forms a verb, noun, adjective or adverb. 

Here’s a list of suffixes that are derived from the Greek language. 

Greek Suffixes

Example

eer, er, ier, ar, or (a person who performs a certain action)

jeweler, grantor, scholar, builder, engineer, prisoner, officer, emperor, gondolier, decorator, investigator, educator, author, narrator, professor, editor, inventor, survivor, visitor, collector, operator, actor, spectator, director, translator, counsellor.

sy, sis

foisys, analysis, artsy, crisis, folksy, cutesy, heresy, poesy,

isk

tamarisk, obelisk, basilisk, asterisk, lutefisk, obelisk, risk, brisk, frisk, whisk.

ique, ic

antique, boutique, cynic, unique, clique, critique, mystique, phonetic, technique, angelic, pique.

asm, ism (to form abstract nouns)

feudalism, racism, despotism, monotheism, patriotism, enthusiasm egotism, tourism,

ist (denotes a person who follows a pursuit or trade)

journalist, artist, tourist, specialist, scientist, nihilist, theosophist, chemist, geologist, physiotherapist, artist, terrorist, atheist, dramatist, zoologist, ecologist, extremist, cardiologist, cartoonist, hypnotist, vocalist, perfectionist, guitarist.

y, e

trophy, monarchy, catastrophe, philosophy.

ble (to form adjectives of passive sense)

irritable, bearable, tolerable, unbearable, intolerable,

ize, ise (to form verbs from nouns and adjectives)

organize, minimize, maximize, emphasize, moralize, baptize, sympathize, civilize, criticize, crystalize, apologize, mobilize, sympathize, utilize, energize, hypnotize, normalize, agonize, regularize, sterilize, civilize, pressurize, idealize, naturalize, vaporize, socialize.

ee (derived from French) - a person with a passive share in an action.

townee, retiree, nominee, licencee, enrollee, acceptee, internee, promisee, enlistee, patentee, arrestee, designee, returnee, divorcee, attendee, assignee, detainee, absentee, appointee, delegatee, presentee, interviewee, distributee, pawnee, listee, payee, employee, mortgagee, trustee, legatee, referee, dischargee.

sy suffix – is mostly used as a diminutive of the base word for informal use. It is used to form nouns or adjectives.

Example sentences: 

1. Tom did a detailed analysis of the proteins present the food that he took.

2. His artsy skills are more prominent than his academic skills.

isk:

Example sentences:

1. The asterisk sign is used for multiplication in Computer Science.

2. The whisk procedure is very important in the baking process.

ique:

Example sentences:

1. My buy my dresses from a boutique owned by my friend.

2. Phonetics are taught to KG students which greatly improves reading and speaking skills.

y:

Example sentences:

1. I finally won a trophy.

2. I took in philosophy classes for my extra credit scores.

ble:

Example sentences:

1. Labor pain was bearable in the beginning.

2. But as time went by the pain had gone unbearable.

ize:

Example sentences:

1. I apologized to my mother for not eating lunch. 

2. We should sterilize baby bottles before and after use to prevent infection.

ee:

Example sentences:

1. The interviewee answered all question confidently.

2. The patient’s attendee was called to buy medicines.

Latin suffixes list with meaning Latin suffixes
Prefixes & Suffixes

Latin suffixes

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Latin suffixes.

Suffixes are words that come after the root word(base word). 

Let’s see in detail a list of suffixes that have been derived from the Latin language. Coming up is a list of Latin suffixes of adjectives. 

“These suffixes are added to the root word or base word to form adjectives.“

Latin suffixes of Adjectives.

Latin suffixes

Example

id

humid, vivid, lucid.

ary

extraordinary, secondary, ordinary, solitary, customary, contrary, necessary, ordinary, honorary.

ar

regular, familiar, obstacular.

lent

corpulent, indolent, turbulent, virulent.al

al

national, legal, illegal, regal, mortal, fatal.

ile

servile, fragile, juvenile.

ble

[-ible,able] ; feeble, sensible, laughable, eatable

esque

picturesque, grotesque.

ive

sportive, destructive, passive, active, attentive, survive.

an

[-ane] ;human, humane, mundane

ate

fortunate, template, temperate, obstinate.

Latin suffixes of nouns.

1. Place

Latin suffixes

Example

ter, tre

theater, cloister.

ary

[-ery, -ry] ; dispensary, library, treasury, nunnery, nursery.

2. Action, state.

Latin suffixes

Example

id

humid, vivid, lucid.

ary

extraordinary, secondary, ordinary, solitary, customary, contrary, necessary, ordinary, honorary.

ar

regular, familiar, obstacular.

lent

corpulent, indolent, turbulent, virulent.al

al

national, legal, illegal, regal, mortal, fatal.

ile

servile, fragile, juvenile.

ble

[-ible,able] ; feeble, sensible, laughable, eatable

esque

picturesque, grotesque.

ive

sportive, destructive, passive, active, attentive, survive.

an

[-ane] ;human, humane, mundane

ate

fortunate, template, temperate, obstinate.

3. Diminutives.

Diminutive means small or tiny. It’s a form to denote smallness. Here’s a list of suffixes when added to the root word forms diminutives. It explains that something is small.

Latin suffixes

Example

et

lancet, trumpet, owlet.

ette

coquette, cigarette.

le, cule, ule, cel, sel, el

globule, damsel, circle, animalcule, parcel, chapel.

4. Agent or doer of a thing.

Latin suffixes

Example

id

humid, vivid, lucid.

ary

extraordinary, secondary, ordinary, solitary, customary, contrary, necessary, ordinary, honorary.

ar

regular, familiar, obstacular.

lent

corpulent, indolent, turbulent, virulent.al

al

national, legal, illegal, regal, mortal, fatal.

ile

servile, fragile, juvenile.

ble

[-ible,able] ; feeble, sensible, laughable, eatable

esque

picturesque, grotesque.

ive

sportive, destructive, passive, active, attentive, survive.

an

[-ane] ;human, humane, mundane

ate

fortunate, template, temperate, obstinate.

Latin suffixes of verbs.

Latin suffixes

Example

ish

publish, punish, nourish, banish.

fy

simplify, purify, fortify, sanctify, terrify.

ate

assassinate, captivate, exterminate.

esce

acquiesce, effervesce.

Latin suffixes

Example sentences

ish

publish, punish, nourish, banish - He was banished from the kingdom.

fy

simplify, purify, fortify, sanctify, terrify - I was terrified after watching the horror movie.

ate

assassinate, captivate, exterminate - The assassinate escaped in the most tricky way.

esce

acquiesce, effervesce - My friends effervesced (became enthusiastic) when I announced about the treat.

English suffixes examples English Suffixes
Prefixes & Suffixes

English Suffixes

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English Suffixes

Suffixes are words that are placed after the root word. The root word is also called as the base word. It thereby forms a derivative. After the suffix is added, the word changes into something else. The new word has a new meaning. 

English suffixes of noun

Diminutives

Diminutive means small or tiny. It’s a form to denote smallness. Here’s a list of suffixes when added to the root word forms diminutives. It explains that something is small.

English suffix

Example

ette

kitchenette - a small kitchen, novelette - a short novel.

ock

hillock (a small hill).

let

leaflet, piglet - a young pig, eyelet - a small hole, wavelet - small wave, booklet, droplet, rivulet - a small stream.

ling

duckling - young duck, seedling, darling, stripling, weakling.

kin

napkin, lambkin.

ock

bullock, hillock.

el, le

kernel, girdle, handle, satchel.

ie

birdie, lassie, dearie.

en

oxen, kitten, maiden, chicken.

net

coronet - a small crown.

Condition, being, state / action.

English suffix

Example

y

victory, jealousy

al

arrival.

ness

sadness, smoothness, brightness, boldness, darkness, sweetness, goodness.

th

growth, health, stealth, depth, faith, fifth, length, youth.

sion

persuasion, division.

red

hatred, kindred.

hood, head

motherhood, parenthood, adulthood, neighborhood, childhood, manhood, womanhood, godhead.

dom

kingdom, freedom, boredom, stardom, wisdom, freedom, martyrdom.

lock, ledge

acknowledge, knowledge, fledge, wedlock.

ship

starship, wardship, township, hardship, friendship, lordship, hardship.

Agent

English suffix

Example

cian

musician

ter, ther

sister, father, daughter.

ess

princess, goddess, actress.

ster

punster, sister, songster, spinster.

ary

dictionary

ar, er, or, yer

runner, teacher, beggar, baker, painter, sailor, lawyer, doctor.

English suffixes of verbs

English suffix

Example

ize

terrorize, privatize, publicize.

se - to make;

rinse, cleanse.

en - transitive verbs; causative

eaten, gladden, sweeten, deaden, weaken, strengthen.

ate

hyphenate.

er - frequentative, intensive;

glitter, chatter, fritter, glimmer, flutter.

English suffixes of adjectives

English suffix

Example

al

accidental.

ish - somewhat like

boyish, girlish, boorish.

ary

imaginary.

less - without, free from.

shameless, hopeless, fearless, boundless, senseless.

able

manageable, taxable.

y - quality of

easy, healthy, wealthy, slimy, windy, needy, dirty, greedy, thirsty.

ward - inclining to

forward, backward, wayward.

some - quality of

gladsome, quarrelsome, meddlesome, wholesome.

ful - full of

forgetful, sorrowful, joyful, fruitful, hopeful.

en - made of

golden, wooden, woolen, earthen,

ed

talented, gifted, learned, wretched.

ly - like

brotherly, godly, manly.

English suffixes of adverb

English suffix

Example

wise - mode, manner;

otherwise, likewise.

ward, wards - turning to;

backwards, upwards, homewards.

long

sidelong, headlong.

ly - like;

helpfully, wisely, boldly.

way, ways

always, anyways, straight a way.

er - agent;

driver

hood - condition / rank;

boyhood

en, ful, ish, less, some, ly, y, ward, - adj & adverb endings

hopeful, golden, helpless, oldish, lonesome, manly, mighty, homeward.

ling, kin - diminutives;

yearling, lambkin.

ship, ness, th - abstract nouns;

friendship, truth, loveliness.

Latin Prefixes examples Latin Prefixes
Prefixes & Suffixes

Latin Prefixes

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Prefixes

Latin prefixes

In the previous post, we had seen a list of prefixes that have their derivation from the Greek language. Let’s see a list of prefixes that have derived from the Latin. 

Latin prefix list

Latin prefix

Meaning

Ab (a, abs)

away, from

Bene

well

Circum (circu)

around

De

down

Ad (ac, ar, al, af, as, an, ag, ap, at, a)

to

Bis (bin, bi)

two, twice

Con (cor, com, col)

together, with

Ex (e, ef)

out of

Super

above

Ambi (am, amb)

around, on both sides

Re

again, back

Contra (counter)

against

Post

after

Dis (di, dif)

apart

Pro (pur, por)

for

Ante(anti, an)

before

Pre

before

Extra

outside of, beyond

Preter

beyond

In (im, il, em, ir, en)

into, in

Per (pel)

through

Non

not

Demi

half

Trans (tres, tra)

across

Retro

backwards

Male (mal)

badly, ill

Pen

almost

Semi

half

Sub (suf, suc, sum, sug, sus, sup, sur)

under

Inter (intro, enter)

within, among

Ob (oc, of)

against, in the way of.

Se (sed)

apart

In (im, il, ir)

not

Vice

in the place of

Subter

beneath

Sine

without

Latin prefix examples

Latin prefix

Example

Ab (a, abs)

avert, abuse, abstract

Bene

benefit, benediction

Circum (circu)

circumference, circuit, circumnavigate

De

dethrone, depose, descend

Ad (ac, ar, al, af, as, an, ag, ap, at, a)

accord, aggrieve, adjoin, affect, allege

Bis (bin, bi)

bisect, binocular, biscuit

Con (cor, com, col)

combine, correct, collect, contend

Ex (e, ef)

effect, extract

Super

superfluous, superfine

Ambi (am, amb)

amputate, ambition, ambiguous

Re

refund, return, renew, reclaim

Contra (counter)

counteract, counterfeit, contradict

Post

postdate, postpone, postscript

Dis (di, dif)

differ, divide, disjoin

Pro (pur, por)

portray, pursue, pronoun

Ante(anti, an)

anticipate, ancestor, antedate

Pre

predict, prevent, prefix

Extra

extravagant, extraordinary

Preter

preternatural

In (im, il, em, ir, en)

invade, enact, immerse, illustrate, embrace, irrigate,

Per (pel)

pervade, pellucid

Non

nonsense

Demi

demigod

Trans (tres, tra)

traverse, trespass, transmit

Retro

retrograde, retrospect

Male (mal)

malcontent, malevolent

Pen

peninsula, penultimate

Semi

semicolon, semicircle

Sub (suf, suc, sum, sug, sus, sup, sur)

suffer, subdue, surmount, suggest, succeed, summon, support, sustain

Inter (intro, enter)

introduce, entertain, intervene

Ob (oc, of)

occupy, offend, object

Se (sed)

separate, secede, sedition, seduce

In (im, il, ir)

illegal, insecure, irregular, imprudent

Vice

vice-president, viceroy

Subter

subterfuge

Sine

sinecure

Latin prefix example sentences

Latin prefix

Example

Ab (a, abs)

avert, abuse, abstract - The abstract forms in his painting was breathtaking - (abstract - just an idea but not a definite form)

Bene

benefit, benediction - The benefits of eating healthy food are numerous.

Circum (circu)

circumference, circuit, circumnavigate - The circumference of the circle was too small.

De

dethrone, depose, descend - The King was dethroned due to his negligence.

Ad (ac, ar, al, af, as, an, ag, ap, at, a)

accord, aggrieve, adjoin, affect, allege - The aggrieved member of the committee withdrew the assignment.

Bis (bin, bi)

bisect, binocular, biscuit - My practical exam was to bisect a frog.

Con (cor, com, col)

combine, correct, collect, contend - She combined the molecules to form a new pattern in her research.

Ex (e, ef)

effect, extract - The leaf extract when applied to face reduces acne.

Super

superfluous, superfine - The sand in the sand clock needs to be superfine.

Ambi (am, amb)

amputate, ambition, ambiguous - The ambitious doctor served the poor people in the rural.

Re

refund, return, renew, reclaim - He reclaimed his credit card points in the shoe shop.

Contra (counter)

counteract, counterfeit, contradict - I do not like to be contradicted.

Post

postdate, postpone, postscript - She wrote the postscript as , "Parcel received." (written at the end of the letter after your signature).

Dis (di, dif)

differ, divide, disjoin - She differed a lot from the rest of the group.

Pro (pur, por)

portray, pursue, pronoun - My teacher asked me to circle the pronouns in the sentences.

Ante(anti, an)

anticipate, ancestor, antedate - She anticipated success. (expected).

Pre

predict, prevent, prefix - The witch predicted bad omen.

Extra

extravagant, extraordinary - Her extravagant expenditure for her vacation was worth it.

Preter

preternatural - The preternatural silence killed him.

In (im, il, em, ir, en)

invade, enact, immerse, illustrate, embrace, irrigate.

Irrigation is to supply water to help growth of the plants.

Per (pel)

pervade, pellucid - The policy statement was pellucid (understood, clear).

Non

nonsense - She shouted, "Nonsense", when everyone accused her.

Demi

demigod - The demigod was form another dimension.

Trans (tres, tra)

traverse, trespass, transmit - She transmitted the signals from the portal.

Retro

retrograde, retrospect

Male (mal)

malcontent, malevolent - The article was rejected because of its malcontent.

Pen

peninsula, penultimate - India is a peninsular country - surrounded by three sides water and one side land.

Semi

semicolon, semicircle - Her semicircle was perfect.

Sub (suf, suc, sum, sug, sus, sup, sur)

suffer, subdue, surmount, suggest, succeed, summon, support, sustain - She sustained scars after the surgery.

Inter (intro, enter)

introduce, entertain, intervene - I introduced myself in an impressive way to the interviewer.

Ob (oc, of)

occupy, offend, object - She occupied the upper portion of the house.

Se (sed)

separate, secede, sedition, seduce

secede - to withdraw from an organization - They planned to secede from the ruling party.

In (im, il, ir)

illegal, insecure, irregular, imprudent - She was involved in some illegal action.

Vice

vice-president, viceroy - The Vice-President resigned as he committee did not support him.

Subter

subterfuge - I used subterfuge to persuade him to come to the party. (trickery or fraud)

Sine

sinecure - a position in the office that requires less or no work but provides an income.

I was offered a sinecure as my cousin is the managing director.

Greek prefixes examples Greek Prefixes
Prefixes & Suffixes

Greek Prefixes

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Prefixes

Greek Prefixes

There are a lot of prefixes derived from the Greek language.

A prefix is a word that is placed before a word (root word) and it changes the meaning of the word, after the prefix is placed. 

Let’s see a list of prefixes that were derived from the Greek language.

Greek prefixes

Greek Prefix

Meaning

A(an)

without / not

Ana

back, up

Amphi

on both sides / around

Philo(Phil)

love

Anti(ant)

against

Para

by the side of, beside

Apo(ap)

from

Hypo

under

Arch(archi)

chief

Auto

self

Di

twice

Dia

through

Homo(hom)

like

Dys

badly

Cata

down

En(em)

in

Eu

well

Pan

all

Epi

upon

Hyper

beyond, over

Ex(ec)

out of

Hemi

half

Syn, (sym,sy, syl)

together, with

Meta(met)

implying change

Mono

single, alone.

Peri

round

Pro

before

Greek prefixes examples

Greek Prefix

Example

A(an)

apathy, anarchy, atheist

Ana

analysis, anachronism

Amphi

amphibious, amphi-theatre

Philo(Phil)

philanthropy, philosophy

Anti(ant)

antipathy, antagonist

Para

parasite, parallel, paradox

Apo(ap)

apology, apostate

Hypo

hypocrite, hypothesis

Arch(archi)

architect, archbishop, archangel

Auto

autograph, autocrat, autobiography

Di

dilemma

Dia

diameter, diagonal

Homo(hom)

homonym, homogenous

Dys

dysentery, dyspepsia

Cata

catastrophe, catalogue, cataract

En(em)

emblem, encyclopedia

Eu

euphony, eulogy, eugenics

Pan

panorama, panacea, pantheism

Epi

epitaph, epilogue

Hyper

hypercritical, hyperactive, hyperbole

Ex(ec)

eccentric, exodus

Hemi

hemisphere

Syn, (sym,sy, syl)

sympathy, syllable, synonym, system

Meta(met)

metonymy, metaphor

Mono

monopoly, monoplane

Peri

perimeter, period, periscope.

Pro

program, prophesy

Greek prefixes example sentences.

Greek Prefix

Example Sentences

A(an)

apathy, anarchy, atheist - The atheist refused to say the prayer.

Ana

analysis, anachronism - The analysis of the project helps to improvise it.

Amphi

amphibious, amphi-theatre - He amphi-theatre cost an arm and leg.

Philo(Phil)

philanthropy, philosophy - The philosopher shared a few thought provoking quotes before leaving.

Anti(ant)

antipathy, antagonist - An antagonist is a person who goes against another.

Para

parasite, parallel, paradox - The parasites were killed with two doses of medicine.

Apo(ap)

apology, apostate - She apologized for hitting her.

Hypo

hypocrite, hypothesis - A person who puts a false appearance is a hypocrite.

Arch(archi)

architect, archbishop, archangel - The model brought by the architect was inspiring.

Auto

autograph, autocrat, autobiography - The autobiography of the cricketer was mind blowing.

Di

dilemma - There was a dilemma of what to choose.

Dia

diameter, diagonal - The diameter of the circle was too big to fit in the paper.

Homo(hom)

homonym, homogenous - We had to write 5 homonyms each as homework.

Dys

dysentery, dyspepsia - The doctor told him that he has dyspepsia.

Cata

catastrophe, catalogue, cataract - The cataract has made him blind.

En(em)

emblem, encyclopedia - He bought an encyclopedia to gift it to his daughter.

Eu

euphony, eulogy, eugenics - The song was a sweet euphony to his ears.

Pan

panorama, panacea, pantheism - With panorama, she got a perfect 360 degree image.

Epi

epitaph, epilogue - The epilogue of the film was not too good.

Hyper

hypercritical, hyperactive, hyperbole - She has been hypercritical over the past few days. (judging and criticizing too much).

Ex(ec)

eccentric, exodus - He's eccentric after his wife's death.

Hemi

hemisphere - I live in the Northern hemisphere.

Syn, (sym,sy, syl)

sympathy, syllable, synonym, system - Spellings can be easy with syllabification.

Meta(met)

metonymy, metaphor - Our teacher taught us nature related metaphors.

Mono

monopoly, monoplane - After much effort, he invented the monoplane.

Peri

perimeter, period, periscope - The periscope was 5 meters long.

Pro

program, prophesy - I have the gift of prophesy. (predict future).

prefix with examples English Prefixes
Prefixes & Suffixes

English Prefixes

reshana

English prefixes

What are the English prefixes?

Prefix is a word that comes before the root word that changes the meaning of the word after a prefix is added.

English prefixes are words that originated from English language. There are also words that originated form the Greek and Latin which, also, we will see in detail. But for now, we are going to concentrate only on English Prefixes.

Prefix word

Meaning

For

thoroughly

Fore

before

Im

opposite

In

in, not

Gain

against

re

again

Over

beyond, above

Dis

opposite

Mis

wrong

Un

not & to reverse an action

To

this

Uni

one

Bi

two

Tri

three

Dec

ten

With

back, against

Under

below, beneath

A

in / on

Tele

distant

Be

by

Multi

many

Micro

small

Mid

middle

Super

extra

A

from, out

Ultra

extreme, beyond

1. For: thoroughly

forgive, forbear.  

Example sentence: I forgive you for what you did to me.

2. Fore: before

foretell, forecast, foresight, forethink. 

Example sentence: The weather forecast for tomorrow is heavy rainfall.

She foretold my future within minutes.

3. Im: opposite

impolite, immortal, impatient, impossible, improper, impractical, impotent, imperfect, immature, imbalance, impenetrable, immoral.  

Example sentences: Her impolite behavior was annoying.

He gained immortality after the reciting of the mantra.

I became impatient as the queue was quite long.

Nothing is impossible, you can always do it.

4. In: not

inaccurate, incapable, incomparable, incompetent, insecure, inadmissible, inanimate, indecent, independence, incurable, incorrect, indirect, indefinite, indescribable, inconsistency, inconvenience, incoherent, incomprehensible, insane, informal, inequality, inexpensive, infamous, inflammable, ineffective, intangible, indiscretion, inhumane, invalid, inexplicit, inevitable, inexplicable, inconsiderate, invaluable, insatiable, incomplete.

Example sentences: Her impolite behavior was annoying.

He gained immortality after the reciting of the mantra.

I became impatient as the queue was quite long.

Nothing is impossible, you can always do it.

The medicine is ineffective on him.

The answer is incorrect.

Your status shows you are invalid to vote, as you are below 18 years old.

Your work is incomplete. Finish it before you leave.

The lab results are inaccurate.

5. Un: not & to reverse an action.

unconscious, unwrap, unfamiliar, unveil, untie, unfit, unfair, uneven, unexpected, uneasy, undo, unemployed, unconfirmed, undecided, undamaged, unconcerned, unending, uncommon, uncertain, unimportant, unanswered, unable, unaccustomed, unbutton, uncalled, unaware, unacceptable, unanticipated, unbearable.

Example sentences: He became unconscious after the results were announced.

She is still unemployed.

The results were unacceptable.

We were unable to attend the meeting.

He unbuttoned his coat and hung it in the hanger,

Press ctrl + z to undo an action.

The building was undamaged even after the earthquake.

The task was uneasy to do.

The results are unconfirmed.

He was uncertain of his decision.

6. Gain: against.

gainsay – to speak against someone.

Example sentences: I was not able to gainsay her statement, as she had verified reports. 

7. Re: again.

regain, redo, rebuy, redraw, rebuild, reassemble, readjust, recall, reheat, replay, rewrite, reapprove, restock, remake, repack, retie, reshape, relight, refold, reiterate, recalculate, redye, retry, reenact, refocus, rewire, research, repaint, reappear, remix, repark, retell, revisit, reconfirm, reattempt, rethink, recount, resell, rebuy, remade, resail, refill, re-lift, regraft, reread, rediscover, reassign, reunite, reuse, refresh, reargue, return, restart, retake, refreeze, relive, retrack, relist, relearn, reknot, reknit, recolor, redrill, redial.

Example sentences: I regained my weight after my holidays.

We recalculated the marks before paper submission.

She redyed the fabric as it was dull. 

Sam refolded all clothes as it was not done properly. 

There are many apps to resell and rebuy.

We reunited after 10 years in the get together party.  

8. Over: beyond, above.

overcharge, overtime, overact, overall, overdose, override, overflow, overshot, overheat, overuse, overkill, oversee, overcome, overjoyed, overworked, overcoat, overripe, overcast, overhaul, overgrown, overboard, overrule, overshot, overdo, oversleep, overrule, 

Example sentences: He did overtime to meet his ends.

She overkilled by wearing too much jewelry.

The pumpkins are overgrown.

Oversleeping can lead to headaches.

The tank overflowed after 20 minutes.

9. Dis: opposite.

disease, disallow, dishonest, disbelieve, dislike, distrust, disobey, disloyal, distrust, discomfort, discontinue, disappear, disagree, discount, disinfect, disrespect, disappoint, disgrace, disembark, dislocate, disregard, disintegrate, disunite, disorganize, dislodge, dissimilar, disqualified, distrust, disconnect, discourage, dismiss, disorder, dishonest, dismantle, distrustful, disapproval.

Example sentences: His dishonest behavior was not liked by his wife. 

The shoulder got dislocated after the accident.

He was disqualified as he cheated in the tests. 

I disliked the post as it had useless information.

10. Mis: wrong.

misbehave, misspell, mismatch, misfit, misplace, mistreat, misfire, mishear, misread, misconstruction, misguide, misfeature, misinterpretation, misjudge.

Example sentences: She misspelled all the dictation words.

I misread the instructions and the machine is not working now!

The misconstruction lead to the collapse of the building

I misjudged you. You are a good person.

She mistreated me at the party.

Sorry, I misguided you in the project.

She misbehaved in the classroom.

11. Un: not & to reverse an action.

unwell, uncertain, untrue, unhappy, untie, untidy, unemployment, unable, undress, unaware, unfair, unaccomplished, unactive, unabort, unacceptable, unacquire, unadorn, unadopted, unabandon, unacademic, unacquainted, undo, unearthly, unforgettable, unhealthy, unleash, unkempt, ungrateful, uneducated, undue, undisputed, uncover, uncommon, uncomfortable, uncivilized, unbreakable, unbelievable, unbreakable, unarmed, unapproachable, unafraid, unavailable, unaccompanied, unabsorbed, unaffected, undesirable.

Example sentences: I am uncertain of the outcome.

She ate unhealthy and is facing the consequences now. 

His achievement is unbelievable.

I got first place and is the most unforgettable incident of my life.

I was unhappy as no one was on time.

Mr. Sam is unavailable right now.

She was unafraid to sleep in the dark.

He made an unbreakable vow.

She is unapproachable and quite not friendly.

12. To: this.

today, tonight, tomorrow.

Example sentences: We have a meeting today.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day.

I am happy to invite you to the dinner party tonight.

13. Uni: one.

uniform, unicycle.

Example sentences: Uniforms were designed to represent all students are equal.

14. Bi: two, twice.

bilingual, bicycle, bilateral, bisect, biweekly, bifocal, bimonthly.

Example sentences: I subscribed for a biweekly magazine.

The school has bilingual(two languages) education system.

He adjusted the bifocal lens.

15. Tri: three, thrice.

tricycle, tricolor, tripod, triangle, triplet, trillion, trio, trilingual, triathlon, trilateral, trilogy, trisect

Example sentences: I participated in a triathlon with three activities, swimming, running and bicycling.

I gifted a tricycle to my toddler niece.

She gave birth to triplets.

I have a trillion questions to ask you. (Hyperbole)

His triangle was perfect.

16. Dec: ten.

decagon, decade, decathlon, decapod, decimate, decimal, decalogue.

Example sentences: We live here for a decade.

The decagon shaped architecture was amazing.

The 10 event athletic contest is called a decathlon.

The 10 foot shrimp or crab is called decapod.

17. With: back, against.

withdraw, withstand, withhold.

Example sentences: I withdrew cash from the ATM.

I withheld the money I had to pay to him. 

I cannot withstand his speech against me.

18. Under: below, beneath.

underfoot, undercurrent, underdog, underestimate, underground, undergraduate, underline, underpart, under privileged, underscore, underrate, undersea, undertone, underweight, underworld, underwater, undergarment, undertow, undervalue, undershirt, underpass, undermine, underarm, undercook.

Example sentences: An underdog is a person or a team, who has little chance of winning.

At times, undercooked food can lead to stomach upset.

Undervalue is to value below its real worth.

She was underweight for her age.

19. A: in / on.

aboard, abed, ajar, asleep, ashore, aside.

Example sentences: We are all aboard the ship and ready to go.

I lay abed and am too lazy to get up.

She left the door ajar(open) and went.

I fell asleep on the couch.

Some small fishes were washed ashore.

20. A: out / from.

awake, alight arise.

Example sentences: I was awake last night when you came in.

The tourists alighted from the elephants.

The sky was alight on New Year’s eve.

The dark King arose in the deserted graveyard.

20. Tele: distant.

television, teleport, telephone, telepathy, telescope, telecom, teleology, telemetry, telegraph, telephoto, teleportation, teleconference, teleshopping, telemarketing.

Example sentences: The scientist invented a teleportation device.

The teleconference was a success.

 The telegraph reached on time. 

The television is one of the powerful multimedia in the ’90s.

My grandfather’s dialing landline telephone is still working!

21. Be: by.

bedevil, bedeck, begone, bedazzle, bedaub, bedim, beside, besmear, betimes, befit, begot, begotten, befool, begrudge, behold, belated, belittle, bewitch, because.

Example sentences: I was enraged because of him, 

She bedazzled him with her beauty.

Your actions befits you. (suits you).

She was bewitched and I knew the counter spell. 

22. Multi: many.

multinational, multicolor, multilingual, multiply, multipurpose, multidimensional, multimedia, multiform, multilayer, multicultural, multimillionaire, multiplex, multicellular, multiracial, multitude, multivitamin, multiform.

Example sentences: She wore a multicolor dress for the party.

We have a tie up with a multinational company.

Some tribes around the world are multilingual.

I bought a multipurpose blender.

The superhero took multiforms.

23. Micro: small.

microscope, microphone, microbiologist, microorganism, microbes, microwave, microprocessor, 

Example sentences: We use a microscope to see microorganisms, 

The microprocessor is like the heart of the CPU.

The microwave is the best to bake cakes.

My aim is to become a successful microbiologist,

There are microbes present in the water. So boil it before you drink.

24. Mid: middle.

midway, midday, midnight, midafternoon, midabdominal, mid-age, midair, midaltitude, mid-adolescent, midfoot, midframe, mid-March, midforehead, mid-chest, midcalf, midcareer, midcycle.

Example sentences: We had lunch midafternoon.

I have pain in the midfoot since the walk.

The midframe seems to be perfect.

I have birthday mid-March.

25. Super: extra.

superman, superwoman, superfine, superhuman, superstar, super-fluent, superabundant, superimpose, supernatural, superpower, supernova, supersede, superficial.

Example sentences: The burns are superficial.

The superman got superpowers after the incident.

The sand in the sand clock is superfine.

Her speaking is super-fluent. 

26. Ultra: extreme, beyond.

ultramodern, ultrahuman, ultrasound, ultralight, ultrashort, ultrabasic, ultrasonic, ultramafic, ultrastructure, ultrahazardous, ultraefficient, ultra-exclusive, ultraenergetic, ultrapowerful, ultraviolet, ultraheat, ultrasmart, ultra-dense, ultracool, ultrarich, ultra-tiny, ultralow, ultra-dry, ultracold.

Example sentences: I bought a ultramodern apartment.

She is ultrarich.

The technology is ultracool.

The bulb has ultralight technology.

The microwave produces ultraheat.