English Vocabulary Exercises: Prefixes and Suffixes

Do you know the difference between happy, unhappy, and happiness? These small parts added to the beginning or end of words—called prefixes and suffixes—can change meanings completely.

By learning just a few common prefixes and suffixes, you can unlock the meaning of hundreds of English words. These exercises with answers will help you practice and remember the most important ones.

This post includes exercises, answer keys, summary tables, and a printable practice section.

Vocabulary Exercise – Prefixes and Suffixes

Do the exercise below on prefixes and suffixes and click the button to check your answers.

For a quick recap of common prefixes and suffixes in English, head to the review section at the end of this post.

Prefixes and Suffixes Exercises with Answers

“Mastering prefixes and suffixes is essential for expanding your English vocabulary. These exercises will help you practice forming new words and understanding opposites using prefixes like un- and dis-, and suffixes like -ness and -ly. Dive in, test your skills, and check your answers to learn effectively.”

Instructions

Complete the following prefix and suffix exercises to test your understanding of word formation. Use prefixes to create opposites of the given verbs, and add prefixes or suffixes to the words in brackets to complete the sentences meaningfully. Click the button to check your answers.

Prefixes and Suffixes Exercises

Use prefixes to find the opposite of these verbs:

1- wrap
2- use
3- agree
4- engage
behave
6- understand
7- fold
8- spell
9- connect
10- close

Put the words in brackets in the appropriate form (use prefixes or suffixes):

    1. He was acting in a very way. (child)
    2. She looked .She started to cry. (happy)
    3. He passed his exam. He was for the second time. (succeed)
    4. The team that he supported was able to win the . (champion)
    5. I couldn't find any in his theory. (weak)
    6. He wants to be a when he grows up. (mathematics)
    7. There were only a of people at the match. (hand)
    8. The road was too narrow, so they had to it. (wide)
    9. I think that you should your decision. It may not be the best thing to do. (consider)
    10. You need a of motivation, organization and hard work to realize your dreams. (combine)

Warning

Before submitting the test, check the following:

  • Punctuation and capitalization
  • Spelling
  • Spaces (don't add any unnecessary spaces)

Prefixes and Suffixes Summary Tables

Here’s a table summarizing common prefixes and suffixes with their meanings and examples:

PrefixMeaningExample
un-Opposite ofunhappy, unfair
dis-Reverse action, notdisconnect, disagree
mis-Wrongly, incorrectlymisunderstand, mislead
re-Again, backredo, revisit
in-/im-/il-/ir-Not, withoutinactive, impossible
pre-Beforepreview, preheat
over-Excessiveovereat, overreact
under-Insufficient, belowunderestimate, underpaid
SuffixMeaningExample
-nessState, qualityhappiness, kindness
-lyIn a manner ofquickly, happily
-er/-orPerson who does somethingteacher, actor
-tion/-sionState, actionaction, confusion
-able/-ibleCapable of beingreadable, visible
-mentAction, processdevelopment, movement
-shipState, positionfriendship, leadership
-fulFull ofbeautiful, helpful

Downloadable Practice PDF

Would you like to take an expanded worksheet of these exercises offline?
📥 Download Prefixes and Suffixes Exercises PDF (with answers)

Prefix & Suffix Practice Worksheets – Digital Download (PDF)

prefixes and suffixes exercises: Prefix and Suffix Worksheet

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Ultimate Prefix & Suffix Worksheet Pack – 14-Page Digital Download (PDF)

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Tags: Basic Vocabulary Exercises
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