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What is Prefixes and Suffixes? Definition and difference of Prefix and Suffix?
A prefix or suffix can be added to a root word to modify its meaning. A prefix comes before the root word, and a suffix comes after. The prefix and suffix are known as affixes, or additions to a word, and are differentiated by their placement against a word. Common prefixes include un-, dis-, mal-, non-, mid-, and mini-. Common suffixes are –ed, -s, -es, -ing. Suffixes often indicate the tense or number of a word, but can also be used to indicate the part of speech. For example, adding –ly to the end of a word often indicates that word is an adverb. The prefix and the suffix can take on different meanings depending on the root word it precedes or succeeds, and therefore the prefix and suffix are reliant upon the root word and cannot stand alone.
Difference of Prefix and Suffix:
Prefix is a group of letters added before a word or base to alter its meaning and form a new word. When a group of letters having a special meaning appears at the beginning of a word, we call that group of letters a prefix.
Suffix is a group of letters added after a word or base. A group of letters with a special meaning appearing at the end of a word is called a suffix. Here is a list of 16 important suffixes.
Examples of Prefixes and Suffixes:
Suffix Meaning Example
-able able to be manageable
-ible defensible
-al relating to regal
-ance resistance
-ence independence
-ic heroic
-ion state of union
Prefix Meaning Example
uni- one unicycle
mono- one monologue
auto- self autobiography
duo- two duodecimal
bi- two bifocal
tri- three tripod
