Prefixes and Suffixes 02

Affixes are groups of letters joined to a word; prefixes and suffixes are both affixes. Often prefixes and suffixes can be added to the original (base) word at the same time.

One way to increase your vocabulary and your spelling skills at the same time is by learning lists of words which share prefixes or suffixes. "Interact", "intercede", "interbreed", "intercept", "international" and "intervene" all share the same prefix, inter-, which means "between". But each of these words branches out with the addition of suffixes, so that "international" becomes "internationalise" and "internationalisation", "intercept" becomes "interception", "intervene" becomes "intervention" and "intercede" becomes "intercession" (the spelling change is caused by the Latin source of the word). The similar word, "intern" becomes "internal", "internally" and "internalise". Tracing such similarities and developments can be fascinating.

Sharpen your skills by playing this quiz on the subject of affixes.