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A prefix is a letter group added in front of a root or base word that contributes to the meaning of the word. Teaching prefix word lists to young learners helps improve foundational vocabulary and spelling skills.
Knowing the meanings of common prefixes helps students determine the meanings of many unfamiliar words. Students typically become familiar with some common prefixes in their vocabulary words before prefixes are taught directly. Word study when teaching prefix word lists begins with common prefixes which may already be familiar, such as un- (e.g. unhappy), then progress to intermediate and advanced prefixes, including Latin and Greek roots. Word study for prefixes should include the definitions of the prefixes along with many examples of words that include the prefix. Supplement lessons with engaging prefix practice games to keep learning fun!
Common Core State Standards Related to PrefixesClose
Common Core State Standards Related to Prefixes
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.4.b
Use the most frequently occurring inflections and affixes (e.g., -ed, -s, re-, un-, pre-, -ful, -less) as a clue to the meaning of an unknown word.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.4.b
Use frequently occurring affixes as a clue to the meaning of a word.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.2.3.d
Decode words with common prefixes and suffixes.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.4.b
Determine the meaning of the new word formed when a known prefix is added to a known word (e.g., happy/unhappy, tell/retell).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.3.a
Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.4.b
Determine the meaning of the new word formed when a known affix is added to a known word (e.g., agreeable/disagreeable, comfortable/uncomfortable, care/careless, heat/preheat).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.3.a
Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of context.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.5.3.a
Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences, syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of context.
Prefix re-: rebound, recall, recycle, renew, review, restore, reverse, refund, recover, repair
Prefix un-: unable, uncertain, undress, unfair, uncover, uneven, unpack, uneasy, unknown, unattached
Prefix dis-: discover, disobey, disappoint, disappear, disable, displace, disorder, disconnect, discard, discount
Prefix mis-: misbehave, misfit, misinform, mislead, mismatch, misplace, misspell, mistreat, misjudge, misfortune
Prefix de-: dethrone, defrost, dehydrate, demote, desensitize, decrease, deodorant, deduct, descent, deactivate
Prefix anti-: antibacterial, antibody, antibiotics, antiseptic, antifreeze, antithesis, antagonist, antisocial, antiperspirant, antidote
Prefix sub-: submarine, subconscious, substandard, subside, submerge, subset, subway, subsection, subdue, subordinate
Prefix in-, im-, ir-, il-: incorrect, injustice, invisible, impossible, impatient, immature, irresponsible, irresistible, illegal, illegible
Prefix non-: nonliving, nonprofit, nonfiction, nontoxic, nonsense, nonfat, nonstop, nonexistent, nonviolent, nonstandard
Prefix inter-: interstate, intersection, international, interview, intercept, interrupt, intervene, interfere, interject, intermittent
Prefix trans-: transatlantic, transfer, transport, transmit, transparent, transition, translator, transplant, transaction, transform
Prefix pro-: proceed, propose, projected, progress, propel, promote, proclaim, prologue, pronounce, produce
Prefix en-, em-: endanger, enable, enforce, enclose, engulf, enlarge, embedded, embark, embrace, empower
Prefix ex-: export, extend, excavate, exhale, extract, explode, exclude, exterior, expand, expose
Prefix com-, con-: compile, combine, commotion, compatible, concurrent, conform, contain, consist, confer, congregate
VocabularySpellingCity.com provides prefix word lists, printables, and interactive practice games and activities that give students the opportunity to use prefixes as clues to word meaning.
Try MatchIt Definitions with the Prefix dis- list.
