English Language Arts
Grade 3
15 min
Determine the meanings of words with prefixes and suffixes: review
Determine the meanings of words with prefixes and suffixes: review
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the terms root word, prefix, and suffix.
Identify the prefix or suffix in a given word.
Explain the meaning of common prefixes like 'un-', 're-', and 'pre-'.
Explain the meaning of common suffixes like '-ful', '-less', and '-able'.
Combine the meaning of a root word with a prefix or suffix to determine the meaning of a new word.
Have you ever seen a long word and felt stuck? 🤔 What if you had a secret decoder to unlock its meaning?
In this lesson, we will review how to use special word parts called prefixes and suffixes to become word detectives! Learning this skill helps you understand new words you find in books, making you a stronger and more confident reader.
Real-World Applications...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Root WordThe main part of a word that has a meaning all by itself. It's the base that other parts can be added to.In the word 'playing', the root word is 'play'.
PrefixA word part added to the BEGINNING of a root word. It changes the word's meaning.The prefix 'un-' in 'unhappy' means 'not'. It changes 'happy' to 'not happy'.
SuffixA word part added to the END of a root word. It can change the word's meaning or its job in a sentence.The suffix '-ful' in 'helpful' means 'full of'. It changes 'help' to 'full of help'.
AffixThe name for any word part that is attached to a root word. Prefixes and suffixes are both types of affixes.'re...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Prefix Formula
Prefix + Root Word = New Word
When you see a word that starts with a prefix you know, think about what the prefix means. Add that meaning to the root word's meaning to understand the new word. For example, 're-' (again) + 'play' (to play) = 'replay' (to play again).
The Suffix Formula
Root Word + Suffix = New Word
When you see a word that ends with a suffix you know, think about what the suffix means. Add that meaning to the root word's meaning. For example, 'fear' (scared feeling) + '-less' (without) = 'fearless' (without fear).
The Spelling Change Alert
Sometimes the root word's spelling changes when you add a suffix.
Be careful! When adding a suffix that starts with a vow...
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Read the short story. "Mia received a letter addressed to 'The New Homeowner.' The letter was for a contest she did not enter and did not care about." Which word best describes the letter from Mia's point of view?
A.uninteresting
B.unaddressed
C.unwanted
D.unsealed
Challenging
The base word **address** can have prefixes and suffixes added to it. Which of the following is NOT a real word?
A.addressable (able to be addressed)
B.readdress (to address again)
C.addresser (one who addresses)
D.addressful (full of address)
Challenging
The principal said, "We need to address this problem with a **fearless** attitude." What does it mean to have a **fearless** attitude?
A.To be full of fear while solving the problem.
B.To solve the problem without being afraid.
C.To be afraid again of the problem.
D.To be more afraid than anyone else.
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