The full prefix and suffix list, with real meanings and examples
Every prefix and suffix in MorphyLearn's own reviewed curriculum — 16 prefixes and 38 suffixes, not a curated sample — each with its real meaning and a real example word. Learn these and a surprising share of "hard" words stop needing to be memorized one at a time.
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Common Prefixes & Suffixes Reference Sheet
A compact two-page version of this list, formatted for printing or saving as a PDF.
Print reference sheetWord Breakdown Practice Sheet
Eight words for children to break apart, define, and use in context.
Print practice sheet View answer keyMorphyDeck 001 — Core Builders
18 interlocking prefix, root, and suffix cards that slide together to build 31 real words.
Get the card deckMorphyDeck 002 — Character & Relationships
Build one word, then a related word, then compare what changed — six relationship-focused word families, from kindness to respect.
Get the card deck| Prefix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| un- | not | unrest |
| re- | again | reuse |
| dis- | not / opposite of | disown |
| mis- | wrongly | mislead |
| over- | too much / beyond | overact |
| out- | beyond / outward | outgrow |
| inter- | between or among | interaction |
| in- | not | inaction |
| non- | not | nonreactive |
| pre- | before | preorder |
| under- | too little / below | underfeed |
| auto- | self | autograph |
| trans- | across | transaction |
| up- | upward | uprooted |
| super- | over or above | supervisor |
| sub- | under or away | subtraction |
| Suffix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -ing | in the act of / in the process of | acting |
| -ed | having had it happen / in the past | acted |
| -er | one who / thing that | owner |
| -able | capable of being | lockable |
| -ful | full of | joyful |
| -ly | in a certain way | warmly |
| -ion | the act of | reaction |
| -less | without | aimless |
| -ness | the state of | sadness |
| -ment | the result or action of | movement |
| -y | having the quality of | rainy |
| -ive | tending to | active |
| -ation | the act of | alteration |
| -or | one who | actor |
| -ical | relating to | physical |
| -en | to make | dampen |
| -logy | the study of | biology |
| -ance | the act of | avoidance |
| -al | relating to | formal |
| -graphy | the writing of | biography |
| -ist | one who studies | biologist |
| -ence | the state of | dependence |
| -ible | capable of being | suggestible |
| -th | the process of | growth |
| -ic | relating to | telegraphic |
| -ics | the science of | physics |
| -phone | sound | telephone |
| -scope | instrument for viewing | telescope |
| -ship | the state of | ownership |
| -ative | tending to | talkative |
| -hood | the area of | neighborhood |
| -matic | operating by itself | automatic |
| -meter | instrument for measuring | thermometer |
| -naut | traveler | astronaut |
| -nomy | the system of | astronomy |
| -ous | full of | joyous |
| -tic | relating to | aquatic |
| -ty | the state of | safety |
Ready to practice? Print the free word-breakdown worksheet.
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