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Common Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

The next five pages list common prefixes, roots, and suffixes. When you are not sure of a new word, try to figure out its meaning by studying its parts.

Prefixes

Prefixes come before roots, or base words, to form new words. A list of common prefixes follows.

ambi, amphi (both) amphibious (on both land and sea)

ante (earlier) antedate (to be of an earlier date)

anti (against) antibiotic (a substance fighting against disease)

astro (star) astronomer (studier of the stars and planets)

auto (self) autocrat (ruler with unlimited self-rule)

bi (two) bisect (to cut into two parts)

circum (around) circumvent (to avoid or get around something)