Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Introduction to the Teacher .................................................................................................... 1
Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes ....................................................................................... 2
Overview of root words, prefixes, and suffixes
Prefixes With Negative Meanings ......................................................................................... 4
Includes words with prefixes un-, il-, in-, im-, non-, mis-, and dis-
Prefixes Denoting Numbers .................................................................................................. 9
Includes words with prefixes uni-, bi-, tri-, quad-, quint-, pent-, hex-, sept-, oct-, nov-, dec-,
cent-, and mille-
Prefixes over- and under- .................................................................................................... 11
Includes words with the prefixes over- and under-
Prefixes.................................................................................................................................. 12
Includes words with prefixes de-, ex-, extra-, in-, semi-, hemi-, hypo-, hyper-, inter-,
intra-, mega-, micro-, macro-, over-, pre-, post-, sub-, and under-
Prefix Review ........................................................................................................................ 17
Review of prefixes
Adding Suffixes .................................................................................................................... 21
Review of spelling guidelines for adding suffixes
Suffixes -er, -or, -est.............................................................................................................. 22
Includes words with the suffixes -er, -or, and -est, and two different ways -er changes
a root word
Suffixes -ly and -ful .............................................................................................................. 23
Includes words with the suffixes -ly and -ful
Suffixes -less, -tion, -ation ................................................................................................... 24
Includes words with the suffixes -less, -tion, and -ation
Suffixes -able and -ment ...................................................................................................... 25
Includes words with the suffixes -able and -ment
Suffixes -ology, -ist, -phobia ................................................................................................ 26
Includes words with the suffixes -ology, -ist, and -phobia
Suffixes -ish, -ness, -an ........................................................................................................ 27
Includes words with the suffixes -ish, -ness, and -an
Words With Prefixes and Suffixes ....................................................................................... 28
Determine root words of words with prefixes and suffixes, add prefixes and suffixes
to words
Suffix Review ........................................................................................................................ 32
Review of suffixes
Final Review .......................................................................................................................... 34
Review words and definitions of words with prefixes and/or suffixes
Words With Prefixes and/or Suffixes Used in This Book .................................................. 37
Answer Keys ......................................................................................................................... 39

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers ii

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Introduction to the Teacher

Introduction to the Teacher

Physical warm-ups help athletes prepare for more strenuous types of activity. Mental
warm-ups help students prepare for the day’s lesson while reviewing what they have previously
learned.
The short warm-up activities presented in this book provide teachers and parents with a
variety of ways for students to practice and reinforce the skills they have already learned. Each
page contains five warm-ups—one for each day of the week. Used at the beginning of class,
warm-ups help students focus on a specific topic.
Learning the meaning of prefixes and suffixes helps students increase their vocabulary
and enables them to become better communicators. The warm-up activities in this book cover
the meaning of commonly used prefixes and suffixes, help students improve dictionary and
vocabulary skills, and provide practice in sentence writing and critical thinking. Students also
have opportunities to make deductions, write synonyms and antonyms, and determine the
meaning of words from context.
A list of words with prefixes and suffixes is included at the end of the book for reference
and can be used with students for review, vocabulary, or spelling.
Encourage students to get into the “look it up” habit by using a dictionary when they are
unsure of the meaning or spelling of a word.

Suggestions for use:

• Copy and cut apart one page each week. Give students one warm-up activity each
day at the beginning of class.
• Give each student a copy of the entire page to complete day by day. Students can
keep the completed pages in a three-ring binder to use as a resource.
• Make transparencies of individual warm-ups and complete the activities as a group.
• Provide extra copies of warm-ups in your learning center for students to complete at
random when they have a few extra minutes.
• Keep some warm-ups on hand to use as fill-ins when the class has a few extra min-
utes before lunch or dismissal.

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 1

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix Warm-ups:

Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes

Name/Date
Note: Some root words have foreign origins, often Latin or Greek. For example, inhale and exhale are words with
prefixes, even though the root word hale isn’t a common English word.

Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 1

1. A root word is a word that can be changed into a new word by adding a prefix and/or suffix to it. Like
is a root word. Write two other examples of root words.
2. A prefix is added to the beginning of a word and changes its meaning. (dislike )
Write two more examples.
3. A suffix is added to the end of a word and changes its meaning. (likely )
Write two more examples.
4. Some words can contain both a prefix and a suffix. (unlikely )
Write two more examples.

Name/Date Name/Date
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 2 Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 3
1. The spelling of root words usually does Write the root words.
not change when prefixes are added.
1. unthinkable 2. illegal
Example: resell.Write two more examples.

3. honesty 4. mismanagement
2. In the words real, really, and read, the re- at
the beginning of the words is not a prefix.
Why not? 5. impossible 6. disconnection

Name/Date Name/Date
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 4 Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 5
Add a prefix, suffix, or both to each root word.
Explain the difference between com-
Write the new words.
pound words, such as lighthouse, and
1. luck 2. quick words with prefixes and suffixes.

3. sleep 4. reach

5. pay 6. read

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 2

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix Warm-ups:

Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes

Name/Date Name/Date
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 6 Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 7
Sometimes the spelling of a root word changes when Consider words like repaint, rethink, and redo.
a suffix is added. Write the root words. Check a dic- What do you think the prefix re- means?
tionary if you are not sure of the spelling.

1. unbelievable 2. unhappily

3. reappearance 4. unfriendly

5. rechargeable 6. disagreement

Name/Date

Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 8

Add the prefix re- to each word and use it in a short sentence.

1. move
2. pay
3. place
4. set
5. try

Name/Date Name/Date
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 9 Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 10
Add re- to each word. On your own paper, write List 10 or more words that
a short definition of each new word that does not begin with the prefix re-. Cir-
include the word again. Example: assemble: re- cle the root words.
assemble—to put back together

1. appoint 2. connect 3. decorate

4. check 5. style

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 3

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix Warm-ups:

Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Name/Date Name/Date

Prefixes With Negative Meanings 1 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 2

Circle the prefix in each word. Underline the Consider the meaning of these words: unlike,
root words. illogic, inappropriate, inconsiderate, disappear,
disadvantage, nonprofit, nonsense, improbable,
1. unlike 2. illogic and impossible.
3. inappropriate 4. inconsiderate What do the prefixes un-, il-, in-, im-, non-, and
5. nonprofit 6. disappear dis- have in common?

7. disadvantage 8. nonsense
9. improbable 10. impossible

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 3 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 4
Add the prefix un- to the root words given. Write Write 10 words that begin
the new word. On your own paper, write a short with the prefix un-. Circle the
definition for each word that doesn’t include the root words.
word not. Example: un + happy = unhappy: sad

1. able 2. like 3. do

4. made 5. cover

Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 5
Write words from the list to match the definitions. Keep in mind the meaning of the prefix and the
root words. disable disarm discharge discolored
disloyal disorder disrespect disrepair

1. falling apart 2. make harmless

3. chaos 4. false
5. make useless 6. stained
7. release from duty 8. rudeness

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 4

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix Warm-ups:

Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 6 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 7
1. How can knowing the meaning of a prefix and Add the prefix un- or dis- to each word. Write
the root word help you understand the meaning the new words.
of a new word?
1. trust 2. agree

2. If you know the meaning of the prefix, but not

3. true 4. place
the root word, how can that help you under-
stand the meaning of the new word?
5. obey 6. bearable

Name/Date

Prefixes With Negative Meanings 8

The prefixes dis-, in-, il-, im-, non-, and un- change a word so that it means the opposite. On your
own paper, write definitions for the underlined words without using the word not.

1. Finite means limited. What does infinite mean?

2. Appropriate means right or correct. What does inappropriate mean?
3. Patient means calm and accepting. What does impatient mean?
4. A dispensable item is one that is not needed. What does indispensable mean?
5. Logical means reasonable. What does illogical mean?

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 9 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 10
Circle 16 words that begin with un- in the puzzle. Write the letter of the answer that best matches
List the words on another sheet of paper. the meaning of the word.

L N U L U U D E S U N U 1. not needed A. necessary B. unnecessary

A W U U A R N U U N N E
2. not truthful A. dishonest B. disbelief
U O D U I E N R O B N U
S N E A V U R T E O U L 3. unwanted A. undesirable B. desirable
U K F E U N U N C L O G 4. to stop A. unavailable B. discontinue
N N N I N U D U U T U N 5. without end A. limited B. unlimited
U U U N T I E D A M N U

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 5

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix Warm-ups:

Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 11
Add in- or im- to each underlined word to form a new word.
Use a dictionary if you are not sure which prefix to add.

1. practical 2. sincere
3. formal 4. movable
5. appropriate 6. capable
7. equality 8. possible
9. flexible 10. proper

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 12 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 13
Add dis- to each word. On your own paper, Answer these questions on your own paper.
write a sentence using each new word. 1. Comply means obey. What
1. advantage 2. approve does noncompliance mean?
2. Give an example of a non-
profit organization.
3. connect 4. continue 3. Toxic means poisonous.
What does nontoxic mean?
5. prove 6. like 4. Give an example of a nondairy product.
5. Give an example of a nonfiction book.

Name/Date Name/Date

Prefixes With Negative Meanings 14 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 15

Complete these on your own paper. Write the letter of the answer that best matches
the meaning of the word.
1. Name one thing you are incapable of
doing. 1. disadvantage A. dislike
2. Give an example of inequality. 2. discontinue B. not having the
3. disconnect same opinion
3. Name something that is inflexible.
4. disagree C. release
4. Name something that is impractical.
5. disapprove D. stop
5. Name something that is improper. 6. discharge E. difficulty
6. Give an example of an insincere action. F. take apart

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 6

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix Warm-ups:

Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Name/Date Name/Date

Prefixes With Negative Meanings 16 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 17

Write the letter of the answer that best matches the Write the letters from the words in the list on
definition for each word. the lines next to the correct definitions.
1. impossible A. likely B. can’t happen a. dissatisfied b. illegible c. incompetent
2. impractical A. wrong B. not useful d. informal e. unconscious f. unfamiliar
3. improper A. incorrect B. right
4. inappropriate A. OK B. unsuitable 1. unaware 2. strange
5. incapable A. unable B. able 3. unhappy 4. unreadable
6. inequality A. unhappy B. unfairness 5. casual 6. unskilled

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 18 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 19
Write 10 words that begin with the prefix non-. Write “C” if the word is a compound word. Write
Circle the root words. “P” if the word includes a prefix. Circle the root
words in the words with prefixes.

1. inactive 2. inaction
3. independent 4. into
5. ingrown 6. inchworm
7. inside 8. innkeeper

Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 20
Circle the word to show what you think. (There are no right or wrong answers.)

1. Getting good grades Advantage or disadvantage

2. Doing chores at home Continue or discontinue
3. Going to school on Saturday Approve or disapprove
4. Learning a second language Advantage or disadvantage
5. Learning to play the guitar Advantage or disadvantage
6. Spinach tastes terrific. Agree or disagree

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 7

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix Warm-ups:

Prefixes With Negative Meanings

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 21 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 22
On another sheet of paper, write a conversation On another sheet of paper, briefly explain the
between two people who disagree on some- difference between the words in each pair. Use
thing. Use the format shown below. Include at a dictionary if you need help.
least five statements for each person. Circle all
words that include prefixes.
1. nonstop and unstoppable
She said, “ .” 2. nonhuman and inhuman

He said, “ .” 3. nonpayment and unpaid

Name/Date

Prefixes With Negative Meanings 23

Answer the following questions on your own paper.

1. What does it mean to mistype a word on the computer?

2. If someone wears mismatched socks, what’s the problem?
3. If someone misleads you when you ask for directions, what could happen?
4. What can happen if a student misbehaves in school?
5. Why could it be a problem if a secretary misfiles something?

Name/Date Name/Date

Prefixes With Negative Meanings 24 Prefixes With Negative Meanings 25

On another sheet of paper, write a short sen- Draw lines to match the words and their
tence using each word. Use a dictionary if you definitions.
need help.
1. misshapen truth
2. mistreat continuously
1. unavailable 2. unbelievable
3. nonsense waste
3. unusual 4. undesirable 4. nonfiction twisted
5. unknown 6. unlimited 5. nonstop harm
6. misuse foolishness

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 8

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes Denoting Numbers

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix

Warm-ups: Prefixes Denoting Numbers

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes Denoting Numbers 1 Prefixes Denoting Numbers 2
Write a poem using the prefixes for the numbers Match the words from the list to the definitions.
one through ten as the first part of each line. Use
“One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” as a model. Be as silly centennial hexagon
as you like. octopus triceratops

uni-, bi- Unicorns, bipeds, give it a try. 1. a shape with 6 sides

tri-, quad- 2. a dinosaur with 3 horns
penta-, hex-
3. an animal with 8 arms
sept-, oct-
4. a 100-year celebration
nov-, dec-

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes Denoting Numbers 3 Prefixes Denoting Numbers 4
Write the words from the list to match the defini- 1. How many sides does a decagon have?
tions.
bimonthly decathlon quadruplets quintet 2. Which is longer, a meter or a millimeter?

1. 10-sport Olympic 3. How many millimeters are in a meter?

event
4. Which is longer, a meter or a centimeter?
2. 4 of the same
3. 5 musicians
5. How many centimeters are in a meter?
4. every 2 months
6. How many milliliters are in a liter?

Name/Date

Prefixes Denoting Numbers 5

Circle the correct words to match the definitions. Knowing what the prefixes mean will help.

1. Knowing two languages bilateral bilingual bicycle

2. 5 Olympic sporting events pentathlon quintuplet pentagon
3. A 200-year celebration centennial biannual bicentennial
4. A set of 3 related books or movies tripod trilogy triangle
5. To cut into 2 pieces divide bisect bicycle
6. 3 of the same triceratops triangle triplets
7. The 8th month in the Roman calendar October August December

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 9

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes Denoting Numbers

Root Word, Prefix, & Suffix

Warm-ups: Prefixes Denoting Numbers

Name/Date
Prefixes Denoting Numbers 6
1. If you received the first issue of a bimonthly magazine in May, when should
the next one arrive?
2. If a school held a biannual event in May of 2007, when would the next one
be held?
3. If a family met for a biennial reunion in July 2007, when did the last reunion
occur?
4. How often do you think a century plant blooms?
5. When will the tricentennial celebration of the United States as a country be held?

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes Denoting Numbers 7 Prefixes Denoting Numbers 8
Match the letter of the word 1. Which has more legs, a centipede or a
to its definition.
millipede?
1. 3-wheeled vehicle A. octagon 2. How many years are in a millennium?
2. an animal with 1 horn B. decade 3. How many soldiers do you think a Roman
3. a stand with 3 legs C. tripod centurion commanded?
4. a shape with 8 sides D. biweekly 4. Why are some types of eyeglasses called
5. every 2 weeks E. unicorn bifocals?
6. a period of 10 years F. tricycle

Name/Date Name/Date
Prefixes Denoting Numbers 9 Prefixes Denoting Numbers 10
On another sheet of paper, write two words Write the prefix for each number.
using each prefix.
1 2 3
uni- bi- tri- quad- quin-
4 5 6
penta- oct- dec- cent- milli-
8 10

100 1,000

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 10

Jumpstarters for Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Answer Keys

Answer Keys

Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings
1 (p. 2) 9 (p. 3) 8 (p. 5)
Answers will vary. Definitions will vary. 1. unlimited; without end
1. reappoint 2. reconnect 2. wrong; incorrect; unsuitable
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 3. redecorate 4. recheck 3. restless; anxious
2 (p. 2) 5. restyle 4. essential; vital
1. Answers will vary. 5. unreasonable; senseless
2. because the re- is part of the Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes
root word 10 (p. 3) Prefixes With Negative Meanings
Answers will vary. 9 (p. 5)
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes unbend unbolt unborn
3 (p. 2) Prefixes With Negative Meanings unclog uneven unfair
1. think 2. legal 1 (p. 4) unfed unfit unglue
3. honest 4. manage 1. unlike 2. illogic unknown unmade unreal
5. possible 6. connect 3. inappropriate 4. inconsiderate untied untrue unused
unusual
5. nonprofit 6. disappear
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes
4 (p. 2) 7. disadvantage 8. nonsense L N U L U U D E S U N U
Answers will vary. 9. improbable 10. impossible A WU U A R N U U N N E
U O D U I E N R O B N U
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings S N E A V U R T E O U L
5 (p. 2) 2 (p. 4) U K F E U N U N C L O G
Compound words are two or more They all mean “no” or “not.” N N N I N U D U U T U N
root words put together. Words with U U U N T I E D A M N U
prefixes and/or suffixes have one Prefixes With Negative Meanings
root word with word parts added 3 (p. 4) Prefixes With Negative Meanings
to the beginning and/or end of the Definitions will vary. 10 (p. 5)
word. 1. unable 2. unlike 1. B 2. A 3. A
3. undo 4. unmade 4. B 5. B
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 5. uncover
6 (p. 3) Prefixes With Negative Meanings
1. believe 2. happy Prefixes With Negative Meanings 11 (p. 6)
3. appear 4. friend 4 (p. 4) 1. impractical 2. insincere
5. charge 6. agree Answers will vary. 3. informal 4. immovable
5. inappropriate 6. incapable
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes Prefixes With Negative Meanings 7. inequality 8. impossible
7 (p. 3) 5 (p. 4) 9. inflexible 10. improper
to do again 1. disrepair 2. disarm
3. disorder 4. disloyal Prefixes With Negative Meanings
Root Words, Prefixes, & Suffixes 5. disable 6. discolored 12 (p. 6)
8 (p. 3) 7. discharge 8. disrespect Sentences will vary.
Sentences will vary. 1. disadvantage 2. disapprove
1. remove 2. repay Prefixes With Negative Meanings 3. disconnect 4. discontinue
3. replace 4. reset 6 (p. 5) 5. disprove 6. dislike
5. retry Answers will vary.
Prefixes With Negative Meanings
Prefixes With Negative Meanings 13 (p. 6)
7 (p. 5) 1. to not obey
1. distrust 2. disagree 2. Answers will vary.Any charity, etc.
3. untrue 4. displace 3. not poisonous
5. disobey 6. unbearable 4–5. Answers will vary.

© Mark Twain Media, Inc., Publishers 39