Vocabulary Strategy I Tried Today: Using Prefixes and Suffixes

Vocabulary Strategy I Tried Today: Using Prefixes and Suffixes

by Tharuja Heshan -
Number of replies: 1

Today, I chose to focus on learning new words by adding prefixes and suffixes to root words. This strategy helped me understand how small changes to a base word can create different meanings or forms, like adjectives or nouns. For example, I learned how adding “im-” to possible makes impossible, meaning not possible, or adding “-less” to meaning creates meaningless, meaning without meaning.

I practiced by completing sentences with the correct prefixes and suffixes, and it worked well because it helped me see patterns in word formation. Some new words I learned today are disinterested, overcharged, and commitment.

Overall, this strategy is useful because once you know common prefixes and suffixes, you can guess the meaning of many new words you encounter, which makes reading and listening easier.


In reply to Tharuja Heshan

Re: Vocabulary Strategy I Tried Today: Using Prefixes and Suffixes

by Cynthia Mueni -
Hi Tharuja,

I really like how you used prefixes and suffixes to build your vocabulary! Your examples like impossible and meaningless make it easy to see how small changes can create new meanings. I also like how you practiced completing sentences it’s a smart way to notice patterns and remember the words.

I’ve tried this strategy before too, and I agree it makes reading and listening easier because you can often guess the meaning of new words. Thanks for sharing your experience!