Let’s go step by step through each question. We’re looking for whether the given part of the word is a
prefix,
suffix, or
base word.
Remember:
- A
prefix comes at the *beginning* of a word and changes its meaning (like “un-” in “unhappy”).
- A
suffix comes at the *end* of a word and often changes the word type or adds meaning (like “-able” in “believable”).
- The
base word is the main part of the word that carries the core meaning — it can stand alone or be built upon with prefixes/suffixes.
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1. In the word
unquestionable, “question” is the ________.
- Breakdown: un + question + able → “question” is the root/base.
✔ Base word
2. In the word
distasteful, “dis” is the ________.
- “Dis” is added to the front of “taste” → prefix.
✔ Prefix
3. In the word
enrobe, “en” is the ________.
- “En” is added to the front of “robe” → prefix (means to put into or cover with).
✔ Prefix
4. In the word
unlocked, “un” is the ________.
- “Un” is at the start → means “not” or reverse action → prefix.
✔ Prefix
5. In the word
malnourished, “mal” is the ________.
- “Mal” means bad → added to front of “nourish” → prefix.
✔ Prefix
6. In the word
misplaced, “mis” is the ________.
- “Mis” means wrongly → added to front of “place” → prefix.
✔ Prefix
7. In the word
unbelievable, “able” is the ________.
- “Able” is at the end → turns verb “believe” into adjective → suffix.
✔ Suffix
8. In the word
unhappy, “un” is the ________.
- At the beginning → means “not happy” → prefix.
✔ Prefix
9. In the word
unfriendly, “ly” is the ________.
- Wait — actually, “unfriendly” = un + friend + ly? Not quite.
Actually: “friend” → “friendly” (add -ly) → then “unfriendly” (add un-).
So “ly” is attached to “friend” to make “friendly”, which is an adjective.
But here, we’re asked about “ly” in “unfriendly”. It’s still at the end → suffix.
Even though “un-” is also there, “ly” is still the suffix modifying “friend”.
✔ Suffix
10. In the word
reteach, “teach” is the ________.
- “Re” is prefix (again), “teach” is the main action → base word.
✔ Base word
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Final Answer:
1. base word
2. prefix
3. prefix
4. prefix
5. prefix
6. prefix
7. suffix
8. prefix
9. suffix
10. base word
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of base words and endings worksheet.
