Read words containing common prefixes and suffixes from the Y3-4 programme, applying knowledge of root words, prefixes and suffixes (morphology and etymology) to read aloud and understand new words
Every long word has a root word hiding inside it. The root word carries the main meaning. Sometimes letters get added to the front of it, called a prefix, like 'dis-', 'mis-', 're-', or 'pre-'. Sometimes letters get added to the end, called a suffix, like '-ation', '-ous', or '-ly'. The prefix or suffix changes what the word means, but the root word is still in there.
Start with the root word 'care'. Add '-less' and it becomes 'careless', a word that means without care. Add '-ly' to that and it becomes 'carelessly', a word that describes how someone does something.
When you meet a tricky word, cover up the letters at the start and end with your finger. Read the root word first, then think about what the prefix or suffix adds to its meaning.
Each prefix in this lesson carries its own meaning. 're-' means again, like in 'redo'. 'pre-' means before, like in 'prepay'. 'dis-' means not or the opposite, like in 'dislike'. 'mis-' means wrong, like in 'misread'.
Find the root word first, then work out what the prefix or suffix adds to its meaning.
You know the little endings like -ing and -ed. Some word parts do bigger jobs, and they can bolt onto the front of a word as well as the end. Mia is reading a story and stops at a long one: unhappiness.
What is the root word hiding inside unhappiness?
24 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.