Download Prefixes and Base Words

Name
Lesson
7
Date
Prefixes and Base Words
Teaching
Breaking a word into its parts can help you figure out its meaning. Two important
word parts are prefixes, which are attached to the beginning of a word, and base
words, words that can stand alone. The example below shows how a prefix can
change the meaning of a word.
prefix that means “not”
base word that means “right”or “proper”
in + correct = incorrect
word that means “not correct; wrong; improper”
The chart below lists seven common prefixes that mean “not” or “wrong”:
Prefix
Meaning
Example
disiliminirmisun-
not, lack of
not
not
not
not
wrong, wrongly
not, opposite
disagree
illegal
imperfect
incorrect
irregular
misunderstand
unsure
A. Identifying Prefixes and Base Words
For each word in Column A, draw a line between the prefix and the base word.
Then match each example in Column A with its correct meaning in Column B.
Write the letter of the correct meaning in the space provided. Use a dictionary if
necessary.
EXAMPLE mis place
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
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k
1. misguide
__________
a. not truthful
2. inactive
__________
b. having no substitute
3. unfamiliar
__________
c. to lead wrongly
4. illiterate
__________
d. unable to read or write
5. dishonest
__________
e. not cheerful
6. impolite
__________
f. to destroy germs; to free from infection
7. mispronounce __________
g. not moving
8. irreplaceable
__________
h. to say incorrectly
9. disinfect
__________
i. not known
10. unhappy
__________
j. rude
k. to put in the wrong position; mislay
VOCABULARY
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Name
7
Prefixes and Base Words, Part I
More Practice
B. Prefixes and Base Words in Action
Prefixes: dis-, il-, im-, in-, ir-, mis-, and un-.
Underline ten examples in the passage that begin with the prefixes listed above.
Write the prefix and base word of each example. Then define each example using
what you know about prefixes, base words, and context clues. Use a dictionary to
check your answers.
Lenore was rarely irresponsible. However, one day she decided to explore the
basement of her house. Her parents discouraged her from going down there
because it was unsafe. The incomplete, unstable floor was home to many
unwelcome pests. Lenore disliked the thought of running into spiders and
snakes, but decided that being afraid was immature and illogical. She set out
on her adventure. She made just one misstep, but that was enough. What do
you think happened to her?
1. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
2. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
3. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
4. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
5. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
6. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
7. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
8. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
9. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
10. prefix: _______ base word: ______________ meaning: ______________________________________
C. Vocabulary Challenge
For each prefix below, provide three different base words. Then write a sentence
using one of the new words. Use a dictionary to check your answers.
EXAMPLE im-
possible, proper, patient
Steve often becomes impatient in the checkout line.
1. un- __________, __________, __________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. mis- __________, __________, __________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. dis- __________, __________, __________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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VOCABULARY
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
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