English Language Arts
Grade 3
15 min
Use the prefixes pre-, re-, and mis-
Use the prefixes pre-, re-, and mis-
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define the terms 'prefix' and 'root word'.
State the meaning of the prefixes pre- (before), re- (again), and mis- (wrong).
Identify the prefix and root word in a given word.
Combine a prefix with a root word to create a new word.
Determine the meaning of a new word based on its prefix and root word.
Use words with the prefixes pre-, re-, and mis- correctly in a sentence.
Have you ever wanted to do something over again, or fix a mistake you made? 🤔 Learning about prefixes can help us talk about doing just that!
Today, we are going to learn about special word parts called prefixes. We will focus on three important ones: pre-, re-, and mis-. Learning these will help you understand new words when you read and make your own writing more i...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA word part that is added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.In the word 'unhappy', the prefix is 'un-'.
Root WordThe main part of a word that has a meaning of its own. It's the word you have left when you take off a prefix.In the word 'reread', the root word is 'read'.
pre-A prefix that means 'before'.pre- + view = preview (to see something before)
re-A prefix that means 'again'.re- + write = rewrite (to write something again)
mis-A prefix that means 'wrong' or 'badly'.mis- + spell = misspell (to spell something the wrong way)
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Building Rule
prefix + root word = new word
To make a new word, you simply attach the prefix to the front of the root word. You don't need a space, and you usually don't change the spelling of the root word.
The Meaning-Maker Rule
meaning of prefix + meaning of root word = meaning of new word
To understand a new word, figure out the meaning of the prefix and the meaning of the root word. Then, put those two meanings together to understand the whole word.
The Real Word Check
Is the root word a real word on its own?
After you take off a prefix, the part that is left should be a real word you know. For example, in 'remake', 'make' is a real word. But in 'pretty', 'tty' is not a real word, so 'pre-' is not a...
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A letter is returned to you with a stamp that says 'ADDRESS UNKNOWN'. This means the mail carrier could not find the address. Which action is needed to fix this problem?
A.Misinform the post office.
B.Reconfirm the correct address with the person you're sending it to.
C.Prepay for more postage.
D.Misplace the letter.
Challenging
A mail-sorting machine uses a scanner to read zip codes. If the machine 'misinterprets' a '3' as an '8', what is the most likely consequence?
A.The letter will be sent to a different city or state.
B.The letter will be returned to the sender immediately.
C.The letter will arrive faster than usual.
D.The machine will automatically reprint the label.
Challenging
You are writing a 'How to Mail a Letter' guide for a classmate. Which step would most likely use a word with the prefix 'pre-'?
A.Step 4: Resend the letter if it comes back.
B.Step 2: Misspell the name to play a joke.
C.Step 3: Put the letter in the mailbox.
D.Step 1: Pre-address several envelopes if you plan to send many letters.
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