Download Anglo-Saxon Affixes and Base Words

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Lesson
12
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Anglo-Saxon Affixes and Base Words
Teaching
Many words we use today come from the Anglo-Saxon language, an early form of
English called Old English. Affixes are word parts that are added to the beginning
(prefix) or the end (suffix) of base words or word parts to form new words. A
base word is a complete word to which a prefix and/or a suffix may be added.
suffix from Old English meaning “in or toward a specified time, place, or direction”
base word meaning
home + ward = homeward
“a place where one lives,
a residence”
word that means “toward or at home”
Examine the chart below.
Affix
Type
Meaning
Example
abeforoverself-en
-like
-some
-ward(s)
-worthy
prefix
prefix
prefix
prefix
prefix
suffix
suffix
suffix
suffix
suffix
on/in, in the act or direction of
thoroughly, around, over; about; cause to become; to affect
completely, excessively
above, excessive, superior
oneself, automatic
cause to be, to have, made of, resembling
resembling, characteristic of
characterized by a specified quality, group, or number
in or toward; specified direction
of sufficient worth; suitable or safe for
ahead
beloved
forsworn
overpass
self-righteous
strengthen
ladylike
troublesome
downward
seaworthy
A. Anglo-Saxon Affixes and Base Words in Action
Add one of these affixes to the italicized word in each sentence to form a word
that completes the sentence correctly.
a-en
be-like
for-some
over-ward(s)
self-worthy
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1. Will you please give me for putting lizards in your hat? _____________________
2. Casey’s confidence radiated but I knew he would strike out. _____________________
3. My dreams have given me a whole new level of understanding. _____________________
4. You can’t grudge me one small piece of chocolate, Maya. _____________________
5. Ever since my brother lied, he’s ceased to be trust. _____________________
6. The fuschia plane flew up into the blue haze. _____________________
7. The days length as we approach summer. _____________________
8. Oh, what a bother piece of mail! _____________________
9. You never cease to maze me, Matilda. _____________________
10. Her violin voice enchants me. _____________________
VOCABULARY
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Name
12
Anglo-Saxon Affixes and Base Words
More Practice
B. Vocabulary in Action
Use one of the words below to complete each sentence. Then use your
understanding of Anglo-Saxon affixes to write the definition of each word.
forlorn
bewitch
reddens
twosome
awash
weblike
1. The alley cat’s green eyes __________________ me.
Meaning: ___________________________________________________________________________
2. Lucy has been __________________ ever since her pet chameleon died.
Meaning: ___________________________________________________________________________
3. My face __________________ whenever you remind me of the time I ate slugs!
Meaning: ___________________________________________________________________________
4. The sky is __________________ with stars.
Meaning: ___________________________________________________________________________
5. Mack and I have been a terrible __________________ ever since we were five, so don’t even try
picking on us, Mister!
Meaning: ___________________________________________________________________________
6. Amy fingered the __________________ lace her grandmother had given her.
Meaning: ___________________________________________________________________________
C. Vocabulary Challenge
For each base word, add an affix to form a new word. Use each word to
complete its matching sentence.
1. way __________________
The __________________ travelers bathed their stinky feet in our drinking water.
2. aggrandizing __________________
In his __________________ way, he said he was a “scuba-diving, sky-diving, snowboarding, rocket
scientist who saved fifteen maidens from a dragon”!
3. guile __________________
You __________________ me with your beauty.
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VOCABULARY
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
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