Affixes Examples
An affix is a word part added to the beginning or end of a base word to change its meaning.
There are two main types of affixes: prefixes (added to the beginning of a word) and suffixes (added to the end of a word).
Here are examples of each, organized alphabetically:
Prefixes
Ad-: Advance, Advertise, Adjust
Anti-: Antibacterial, Antifreeze, Antisocial
Auto-: Autobiography, Autopilot, Automobile
Bi-: Bicycle, Bilingual, Bimonthly
Circum-: Circumvent, Circumnavigate, Circumference
Co-: Coauthor, Cooperate, Coordinate
Contra-: Contradict, Contravene, Contrast
De-: Deactivate, Decompose, Decrease
Dis-: Disagree, Disapprove, Disconnect
En-: Enable, Encourage, Enrich
Ex-: Exclude, Exhale, Export
Extra-: Extraordinary, Extraterrestrial, Extracurricular
Hetero-: Heterogeneous, Heterosexual, Heterozygous
Homo-: Homogeneous, Homonym, Homosexual
Hyper-: Hyperactive, Hyperlink, Hypertension
Il-: Illegal, Illogical, Illiterate
Im-: Impossible, Immortal, Imbalance
In-: Inactive, Incorrect, Incomplete
Infra-: Infrastructure, Infrasonic, Infrared
Inter-: International, Interact, Interfere
Ir-: Irregular, Irrelevant, Irreplaceable
Macro-: Macrocosm, Macroeconomics, Macrophage
Micro-: Microscope, Microorganism, Microcosm
Mis-: Mislead, Misplace, Misinterpret
Multi-: Multinational, Multipurpose, Multicultural
Neo-: Neoclassical, Neonatal, Neophyte
Non-: Nonprofit, Nonsense, Nonexistent
Over-: Overcook, Overlook, Overestimate
Paleo-: Paleontology, Paleolithic, Paleobotany
Peri-: Perimeter, Periscope, Perinatal
Post-: Postpone, Postscript, Postgraduate
Pre-: Preheat, Preview, Prehistoric
Pro-: Proactive, Proclaim, Promote
Re-: Rewrite, Rebuild, Recycle
Retro-: Retrospective, Retroactive, Retrograde
Semi-: Semicircle, Semiconscious, Semifinal
Sub-: Submarine, Submerge, Subtract
Super-: Superhero, Superintendent, Supermarket
Tele-: Telephone, Telescope, Television
Trans-: Transport, Transmit, Transfer
Tri-: Triangle, Triathlon, Tricycle
Ultra-: Ultraviolet, Ultrasound, Ultramodern
Un-: Unhappy, Unfold, Unfair
Under-: Underestimate, Underground, Underweight
Vice-: Vice president, Vice chairman, Viceroy
Suffixes
-able: Comfortable, Reliable, Breakable
-acy: Privacy, Diplomacy, Legacy
-age: Storage, Breakage, Usage
-al: Musical, Personal, National
-ance: Performance, Resistance, Assistance
-ant: Assistant, Participant, Defendant
-ary: Library, Secretary, Dictionary
-ate: Create, Dominate, Participate
-cy: Democracy, Accuracy, Bureaucracy
-dom: Kingdom, Freedom, Wisdom
-ed: Played, Watched, Finished
-en: Strengthen, Quicken, Widen
-ence: Experience, Difference, Confidence
-ent: Student, President, Resident
-er: Teacher, Runner, Speaker
-ery: Bakery, Bravery, Slavery
-ess: Actress, Princess, Goddess
-est: Strongest, Tallest, Fastest
-ful: Hopeful, Joyful, Thoughtful
-hood: Childhood, Neighborhood, Motherhood
-ic: Artistic, Scientific, Basic
-ify: Clarify, Magnify, Simplify
-ing: Running, Swimming, Reading
-ion: Action, Decision, Reaction
-ism: Realism, Optimism, Capitalism
-ist: Artist, Scientist, Pianist
-ity: Reality, Ability, Society
-ive: Creative, Active, Sensitive
-ize: Realize, Organize, Utilize
-less: Homeless, Hopeless, Fearless
-let: Booklet, Piglet, Bracelet
-ly: Quickly, Happily, Slowly
-ment: Agreement, Development, Movement
-ness: Happiness, Sadness, Kindness
-ous: Dangerous, Joyous, Famous
-ship: Friendship, Leadership, Partnership
-sion: Confusion, Decision, Explosion
-some: Awesome, Lonesome, Troublesome
-th: Strength, Width, Depth
-tion: Action, Celebration, Education
-tude: Attitude, Gratitude, Solitude
-ure: Measure, Pleasure, Pressure
-ward: Eastward, Homeward, Skyward
-wise: Otherwise, Clockwise, Lengthwise
-y: Sunny, Rainy, Funny