Prefixes and Suffixes
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Skill: Adding prefixes and suffixes to make words with a given meaning
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About this worksheet
Prefixes and suffixes are word parts that change the meaning of a base word. A prefix goes at the beginning, so un- turns happy into unhappy, which means not happy. A suffix goes at the end, so -less turns fear into fearless, which means without fear. Knowing a few common word parts helps students figure out many new words. This third-grade worksheet has two parts. In Part A, students add the prefix un-, re-, pre-, or dis- to make words such as repaint and disagree. In Part B, they add the suffix -ful, -less, -ly, or -er to make words such as hopeful and painter.
Each item gives the meaning first, such as "read again" or "a person who farms," and students write the word that matches.
How to use it: before starting, make a small chart: un- and dis- mean not, re- means again, pre- means before, -ful means full of, -less means without, -ly means in a way, and -er can mean a person who. Underline the base word in each finished answer. Then hunt for prefixes and suffixes in a chapter book together.
The answer key lists every word. This worksheet supports Common Core standard L.3.4.b (determine the meaning of the new word formed when a known affix is added to a known word). It pairs well with our Irregular Past Tense Verbs worksheet and our Synonyms and Antonyms worksheet.