Answer Key
Prefixes & Suffixes (3): two-stage formations
Use the words in brackets to form adjectives, nouns and verbs with the help of prefixation & suffixation. Sometimes you will need to make changes at both the start and end of the word.
- I need to get a bottle of [disinfectant] (infect). I want to give the bathroom a proper cleaning.
- What does [immodesty] (modest) mean? – – – Well, that's not easy to explain. Improper behavior. Being impudent or [shameless] (shame).
- [Disability] (able) is an umbrella term, which can cover anything from [impairments] (impair), to activity [limitations] (limit) and participation [restrictions] (restrict).
- The genetic code is the set of rules by which information [encoded] (code) in genetic material is translated into proteins by [living] (live) cells.
- The Age of [enlightenment] (lighten) is the era in Western philosophy and [intellectual] (intellect), [scientific] (science) and cultural life, centered upon the eighteenth century, in which reason was advocated as the primary source and [legitimacy] (legitimate) for authority.
- It's clear now, after 25 years, that the President's decision was a colossal [miscalculation](calculate). But nobody could have seen that then.
- Some [autistic] (autism) people may be [insensitive](sense) to pain, and fail to notice injuries. Some can be very [affectionate] (affection) toward those they know and care about.
- My grandfather's first concern has always been his hometown, in spite of the terrible [ungratefulness] (grateful) he had to suffer from people who benefited from his [generosity](generous).
- The [insanity] (sane) defense has existed since the twelfth century, but was not initially considered an argument for the [defendant] (defend) to be found not guilty. The idea that it could beat the [conviction] (convict) arose in the early nineteenth century, in the writings of an [influential] (influence) scholar, Isaac Ray.
- Those hackers will face life [imprisonment] (prison) under the Anti- [terrorism] (terror) Act.
Common adjective prefixes
| In- | Inaccurate, incorrect, indecent |
|---|---|
| Il- | Illegal, illegible, illiterate |
| Ir- | Irrelevant, irreplaceable, irrational |
| Im- | Immoral, immature, impatient |
| Un- | Uncomfortable, unjust, unfair |
| Non- | Non-political, non-verbal, non-existent |
| Dis- | Dissatisfied, disorganized, disqualified |
| Sub- | Subconscious, substandard, suburban |
| Hyper- | Hyperactive, hypercritical, hyperdynamic |
| -ful | Useful, careful, hopeful |
|---|---|
| -less | Useless, careless, hopeless |
| -y | Healthy, sleepy, windy |
| -ly | Friendly, monthly, homely |
| -ish | Childish, selfish, foolish |
| -ous | Humorous, dangerous, nervous |
| -able | Considerable, fashionable, curable |
| -ible | Incredible, illegible, convertible |
| -ed | Amazed, embarrassed, confused |
| -ing | Amazing, embarrassing, confusing |
| -al / -ical | Hysterical, national, political |
| -ic | Optimistic, pessimistic, specific |
| -ive | Creative, attractive, sensitive |
| -ant / -ent | Excellent, brilliant, confident |
| -ary / -ory | Introductory, compulsory, explanatory |
| -ate | Considerate, accurate, moderate |
| -ian | Canadian, Brazilian, Indian |
Common noun prefixes
| Non- | Non-smoker, nonentity, non-event |
|---|---|
| Dis- | Disappearance, disqualification, disability |
| Mis- | Misprint, misfortune, misadventure |
| Co- | Co-pilot, co-driver, co-author |
| Ex- | Ex-husband, ex-wife, ex-mayor, |
| Re- | Resettlement, reconstruction, restoration |
| Over- | Overweight, overinvestment, overconsumption |
| Under- | Underweight, underboss, undersupply |
| Pre- | Preconception, pre-diagnosis, pre-activation |
| Sub- | Subcontractor, subway, submarine |
Common noun suffixes
| -eer | Mountaineer, puppeteer, engineer |
|---|---|
| -er | Player, teacher, employer |
| -or | Inspector, collector, censor |
| -ee | Employee, trainee, licensee |
| -ist | Capitalist, communist, pianist |
| -ant / -ent | Consultant, applicant, disinfectant |
| -ian | Custodian, comedian |
| -ance / -ence | Performance, preference, reference |
| -ion (-ation / otion / ution…) | Organization, participation, promotion |
| -ity / -ety | Possibility, infinity, variety |
| -ism | egoism, sadism, criticism |
| -al | Refusal, arrival, approval |
| -ment | Advertisement, improvement, appointment |
| -hood | Neighborhood, brotherhood, childhood |
| -ness | Sadness, madness, shyness |
| -ship | Membership, partnership, ownership |
| -cy | Fluency, accuracy, bureaucracy |
| -dom | Kingdom, freedom, boredom |
| -age | Postage, leakage, package |
Common verb prefixes
| Over- | Overthrow, overeat, overwork |
|---|---|
| Under- | Undercook, underline, undercharge |
| En- | Encourage, endanger, enslave |
| Un- | Unpack, unwrap, undo |
| De- | Defrost, decode, deconstruct |
| Re- | Redecorate, reassure, rebuilt, |
| Pre- | Prearrange, preannounce, preconceive |
| Dis- | Disconnect, discourage, discredit |
| Fore- | Foresee, forecast, foretell |
| Out- | Outnumber, outlive, outperform |
Common verb suffixes
| -en | Brighten, loosen, strengthen |
|---|---|
| -ify | Simplify, certify, magnify |
| -ize (American) / -ise (British) | Modernize, specialize, popularize |