Prefixes and suffixes play great role in the formation of different words like adjective from noun, noun from verb, verb from adjective and adverbs from adjective. Thus, understanding prefixes and suffixes becomes unavoidable.
Every language in this world is evolved and developed through the methods of formation of newer words, borrowing them or intermixing with existing one or all of them.
In short, word formation is the backbone of any language. In this blog, “understanding prefixes and suffixes” we are going to learn how words are formed by using prefixes and suffixes.
No doubt, suffixes and prefixes are a vital components of word formation process and have immense importance in this process. It plays constructive role in modification, expansion and development of language through formation of words.
Understanding prefixes and suffixes in English language?
Prefixes and suffixes are the syllables or words added before or after the words respectively to form newer words and sometimes change the original meaning of the word. Such added words are called prefixes and suffixes.
Explaining types and examples of prefixes
1.Negative prefixes :
To change meaning to negative:
im: im + mature = immature,
De: de + control = decontrol
2. Derogatory prefixes :
To make sense of wrong or bad:
Mis: mislead, mistake
Mal: malnutrition, malfunction
3. Reversative prefixes:
To reverse the earlier action:
un: un + told = untold, unspoken,
De: de+ genrtate = degenerate, decompose
Dis: dis + like = dislike, Dismentle,
4. Prefixes of degree or size:
To mention degree or size of something:
Sub: lower than = substandard
Mini: small = miniplant
Over: too much = oversmart
Super : above all : superstar, superpower
5. Prefixes for place :
Sub: for position or rank = subordinate
Inter: between two or more than two things = inter school, international
Intra: inside one : intrastate
Trans: beyond something : transnational
6. Prefixes of time
Ex: previously or former : ex army man
Fore: before = foretellsRe: again: restart
Moreover, there are other types of prefixes like :
1.Co, Vice, Auto
2.Anti, Pro, Bi
3.Multy, Poly
Understanding types and examples of suffixes
1.Noun suffixes:
Mother + hood = motherhood
Friend + ship = friendship
2. Adjective suffixes:
colour + full = colourful
Kind + ly = kindly
Child + is = childish
Gorge + ous = gorgeous
3. Verb suffixes:
National + ize = Nationalize
Sad + en = Sadden
4. Adverb suffixes :
using ward, wise, ly
Forward, backwards
Clockwise, genderwise
Rapidly, cowardly.
Key highlights of prefixes and suffixes
Prefixes and suffixes are syllables used before and after the words.
Used in the process of word formation
They can change or modify meaning of the existing word
They are also used to enrich vocabulary.
This is all about the concept clarity of prefixes and suffixes. I have explained application of prefixes and suffixes in the Word formation processes