Prefixes & Suffixes (Intro) — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each word by the affix position. If the affix comes at the BEGINNING (prefix), place in A. If it comes at the END (suffix), place in B.
Prefix at start
unhappydisagreedislikepreschool Suffix at end
helpfulwindysunnykindness A prefix attaches to the start of a base word, while a suffix attaches to the end. Spotting the position helps you decode meaning quickly.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. I dislike broccoli because it tastes bitter to me.
The prefix dis- means 'not' or 'opposite of', so dislike means 'not like'.
2. We disagree about which movie to watch tonight.
Dis- reverses the meaning of agree, so disagree means to have different opinions.
3. It was so windy that my hat blew off my head.
The suffix -y turns the noun wind into an adjective meaning 'full of wind'.
4. The beach was warm and sunny all afternoon.
Adding -y to sun creates an adjective describing weather full of sunshine.
5. It is OK to dislike a food after you have tried a small bite.
The prefix dis- means not, so dislike means not like. After tasting a small bite, it is OK to decide you dislike a food.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The word unhappy begins with a prefix.
True False
Un- is attached to the start of happy, which makes it a prefix.
2. The word helpful ends with a prefix.
True False
The -ful at the end of helpful is a suffix, not a prefix.
3. Disagree means to not agree with someone.
True False
The prefix dis- flips the meaning of agree to its opposite.
4. The -y in sunny is a prefix.
True False
Because -y comes at the end of sunny, it is a suffix, not a prefix.