Unlocking Words: Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
A Grade 6 ELA worksheet focusing on understanding word meanings through common Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
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Unlocking Words: Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
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Read each question carefully and follow the instructions to determine the meaning of words using your knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Understanding the building blocks of words—roots, prefixes, and suffixes—can help you unlock the meaning of many unfamiliar words. A root is the main part of a word that carries its primary meaning. A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a root word that changes its meaning. A suffix is a word part added to the end of a root word that changes its meaning or grammatical function.
1. What does the prefix 'un-' mean in the word 'unhappy'?
before
not
again
under
2. The word 'bicycle' contains the prefix 'bi-'. What does 'bi-' mean?
one
two
three
many
3. The suffix '-ful' means 'full of'. So, a person who is 'careful' is full of .
4. The suffix '-less' means 'without'. If a dog is 'homeless', it is without a .
Match each root word with its meaning.
5. 'bio'
a. water
6. 'aqua'
b. earth
7. 'geo'
c. life
8. 'tele'
d. far off
9. Break down the word 'reconstruct' into its prefix, root, and suffix (if any). Explain the meaning of each part and then the meaning of the whole word.
10. What is the meaning of the word 'audible'? Explain how knowing the root helps you understand its meaning.
Use the words from the word bank to complete the sentences below. Choose the word that best fits the meaning based on your knowledge of prefixes and suffixes.
11. The magician made the rabbit with a wave of his hand.
12. Always take a when crossing the street by looking both ways.
13. My new speaker is , so I can take it anywhere.
14. A geometric shape with three sides and three angles is called a .