Prefixes and Suffixes — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The suffix -ness in "kindness" means in a kind way.
Corrected: The suffix -ness in "kindness" means the state of being kind.
The corrected sentence is: "The suffix -ness in "kindness" means the state of being kind." The error was wrong suffix definition: the original sentence "The suffix -ness in "kindness" means in a kind way." needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
The prefix dis- in "disconnect" means to connect again.
Corrected: The prefix dis- in "disconnect" means the opposite of connect.
The corrected sentence is: "The prefix dis- in "disconnect" means the opposite of connect." The error was wrong prefix definition: the original sentence "The prefix dis- in "disconnect" means to connect again." needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
The word "reusable" means not able to use.
Corrected: The word "reusable" means able to use again.
The corrected sentence is: "The word "reusable" means able to use again." The error was wrong prefix definition: the original sentence "The word "reusable" means not able to use." needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Adding dis- to "appear" makes the word disappear.
The prefix dis- means "opposite of." Disappear means the opposite of appear, so something goes away.
2. The suffix -er in "singer" means a person who sings.
The suffix -er means "one who." A singer is a person who sings, just like a teacher is one who teaches.
3. Adding -ful to "color" makes the word colorful.
The suffix -ful means "full of." Colorful means full of color, like a bright painting.
4. The word "misplace" means to place something wrongly.
The prefix mis- means "wrongly." Misplace means to put something in the wrong spot so you cannot find it.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The suffix -er in "bigger" is used to compare two things.
True False
True. The suffix -er compares two things. Bigger means more big than something else.
2. The prefix re- in "redo" means before doing.
True False
False. The prefix re- means "again," not "before." Redo means to do something again.
3. The word "comfortable" uses the suffix -able to mean able to give comfort.
True False
True. The suffix -able means "can be." Comfortable means something is able to give you comfort.