Difference Between Prefix and Suffix

Most of us learn a language (our native language), we learn how to speak and write; but we also receive lessons about Grammar. This last point related to Grammar is the one that worries the most and is the most difficult to learn, even for native speakers of a certain language (imagine the challenges that non-natives or those trying to learn a new language must face).  Difference Between Prefix and Suffix

When it comes to Grammar, almost everyone needs help from time to time; But there are some topics like ‘the various prefixes and suffixes of the language’ that, if mastered, make it easier for us to understand some words and improve our ability to form them.

As we know that you always want to learn more and perhaps you have some doubts related to the aforementioned topic, below we will explain what the difference between prefix and suffix is.

PREFIX  Difference Between Prefix and Suffix

Prefixes are words (morphemes) that are added to other words with the purpose of changing their meaning. As the same prefix (pre) of the word ‘prefix’ indicates, the prefixes are put at the beginning of the words. For example: happy – (un) happy, normal – (a) normal. In these cases, the meaning of the second words is completely opposite to that of the first.

Regardless, there are exceptions to the rule and prefixes are not always used to form opposite words; for example, to the word ‘generates’ we can add the prefix (re) and say ‘regenerate’ and in that case we would not be forming a word whose meaning is opposite to that of the first.

SUFFIX

On the other hand, suffixes are quite similar to prefixes in terms of purpose; but what makes them different is that instead of being added at the beginning, they are placed at the end of words. For example, rose / ros (ado), report / report (aje), team / equip (aje), meninge / mening (itis).

Finally, there are words that have both a prefix and a suffix at the same time; as for example: (mis) deceived (ado), (extra) ordinary (mind), (inter) galactic (ico); among many others.

Key difference between prefix and suffix

• Prefixes are placed at the beginning of words, while suffixes are placed at the end.

See More

• Proper and Common Nouns