---
title: "Prefixes & Suffixes: Meanings and Examples | Etymoasis"
description: "Prefix and suffix meanings with examples: number prefixes uni-, bi-, tri-, negatives in-, un-, a-, non-, and why in- becomes im-, il- or ir-."
url: https://etymoasis.me/prefixes-and-suffixes/
---

# Prefixes & suffixes

157 prefixes and suffixes with their meanings and examples, plus the number prefixes, the ways English says “not”, and why *in-* turns into *im-*, *il-* and *ir-*.

## Number prefixes: Latin and Greek side by side

English borrowed counting prefixes from both languages, which is why a two-wheeler is a *bicycle* (Latin) but a two-way choice is a *dilemma* (Greek). Latin sets tend to go with Latin roots and Greek with Greek, though modern coinages mix them.

| Meaning | Latin | Greek |
| --- | --- | --- |
| one | **uni-** unicycle, uniform | **mono-, mon-** monologue, monotone |
| two | **bi-** bicycle, bilingual | **di-** dioxide, dilemma |
| three | **tri-** triangle, tricycle | **tri-** triangle, tricycle |
| four | **quadr-, quadri-, quadru-** quadrilateral, quadruple | **tetra-** tetrahedron, tetralogy |
| five | **quint-, quinque-** quintet, quintuplet | **penta-** pentagon, pentathlon |
| six | **sext-, sexa-** sextet, sextant | **hexa-** hexagon, hexameter |
| seven | **sept-, septem-, septi-** September, septet | **hepta-** heptagon, heptathlon |
| eight | **oct-, octo-, octa-** octopus, octagon | **oct-, octo-, octa-** octopus, octagon |
| nine | **nona-, novem-** nonagon, nonagenarian | no common prefix |
| ten | **deci-** decimal, decimeter | **deca-** decade, decagon |
| hundred | **cent-, centi-** century, centipede | **hecto-** hectare, hectometer |
| thousand | **milli-, mill-** millennium, millimeter | **kilo-** kilogram, kilometer |
| half | **semi-** semicircle, semifinal | **hemi-** hemisphere, hemicycle |
| many | **multi-** multiply, multimedia | **poly-** polygon, polyglot |
| all | **omni-** omnivore, omnipotent | **pan-, panto-** panorama, pandemic |

## Negative prefixes: not, without, against

*Un-* is native English and goes on almost anything; *in-* came with Latin words and usually stays on them; *a-* or *an-* is the Greek ‘without’; *non-* is a plain ‘not’. That is how English ends up with *unable* but *inability*, and *amoral* (outside morality) next to *immoral* (against it).

| Prefix | Meaning | From | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| un- | not; the reverse of | Old English | unhappy, unable, undo |
| in-, im-, il-, ir- | not, without | Latin | inactive, incredible, impossible |
| non- | not | Latin | nonsense, nonfiction, nonstop |
| a-, an- | not, without | Greek | atypical, amoral, anonymous |
| dis-, dif- | apart, away; not, the opposite of | Latin | disagree, dissect, disappear |
| anti-, ant- | against, opposite of | Greek | antibiotic, antisocial, antidote |
| contra-, contro-, counter- | against, opposite | Latin | contradict, contrary, controversy |
| mis- | wrongly, badly | Old English | misspell, mistake, misunderstand |
| de- | down, away, off; reverse or remove | Latin | descend, deflate, detach |
| mal-, male- | bad, badly | Latin | malfunction, malnutrition, malevolent |

## Assimilation: why in- becomes im-, il- and ir-

Many Latin prefixes end in a consonant that changed to match the next sound, which made words easier to say: *in* + *possible* became *impossible*, *ad* + *tract* became *attract*. The prefix is the same; only its last letter moved. Spotting this helps with spelling double letters: *accommodate*, *immediate* and *irregular* each double a consonant at the join.

**in-** ‘not’ Latin [Wiktionary: in-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/in-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **im-** | b, m, p | imbalance immature impossible |
| **il-** | l | illegal illogical illiterate |
| **ir-** | r | irregular irresponsible irrational |
| **in-** | other letters | inactive incredible invisible |

**in-** ‘in, into’ Latin [Wiktionary: in-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/in-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **im-** | b, m, p | immigrate import imbibe |
| **il-** | l | illuminate illustrate |
| **ir-** | r | irrigate irradiate |
| **in-** | other letters | include inject inspect |

**com-** ‘with, together’ Latin [Wiktionary: com-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/com-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **com-** | b, m, p | combine commit compose |
| **col-** | l | collect collapse |
| **cor-** | r | correspond correct |
| **co-** | vowels and h | cooperate coexist cohere |
| **con-** | other letters | connect construct contain |

**ad-** ‘to, toward’ Latin [Wiktionary: ad-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ad-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **ac-** | c, q | accept acquire |
| **af-** | f | affix affirm |
| **ag-** | g | aggressive aggregate |
| **al-** | l | allocate allude |
| **an-** | n | annex announce |
| **ap-** | p | appoint apply |
| **ar-** | r | arrive arrogant |
| **as-** | s | assist assume |
| **at-** | t | attract attend |
| **a-** | sc, sp, st | ascend aspire |
| **ad-** | other letters | adhere adjacent advocate |

**ex-** ‘out’ Latin [Wiktionary: ex-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ex-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **e-** | b, d, g, j, l, m, n, r, v | emit eject evade |
| **ef-** | f | effect efficient |
| **ex-** | vowels, c, p, t and others | exit export extract |

**ob-** ‘toward, against’ Latin [Wiktionary: ob-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ob-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **oc-** | c | occur occasion |
| **of-** | f | offend offer |
| **op-** | p | oppose oppress |
| **ob-** | other letters | object obstruct obtain |

**sub-** ‘under’ Latin [Wiktionary: sub-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sub-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **suc-** | c | succeed |
| **suf-** | f | suffix suffocate |
| **sug-** | g | suggest |
| **sup-** | p | support suppress |
| **sur-** | r | surrogate |
| **sus-** | c, p, t | suspend sustain |
| **sub-** | other letters | submarine submit subtract |

**syn-** ‘together, with’ Greek [Wiktionary: syn-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/syn-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **sym-** | b, m, p | symbol symmetry sympathy |
| **syl-** | l | syllable |
| **sy-** | s plus a consonant | system |
| **syn-** | other letters | synonym synthesis synchronize |

**dis-** ‘apart, not’ Latin [Wiktionary: dis-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dis-)

| Spelling | Before | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **dif-** | f | differ diffuse |
| **di-** | some consonants such as l, v | dilute divert |
| **dis-** | other letters | disagree dismiss dissect |

## All prefixes & suffixes

1. **a-, an-** prefix · Not & against
   not, without
   [Greek *ἀ-* (a-), *ἀν-* (an-) ‘not, without’]
   atypical · amoral · anonymous · anarchy · apathy
   [Wiktionary: a-, an-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/a-)
2. **ab-, abs-** prefix · Place & direction
   away, from
   [Latin *ab* ‘away from’]
   absent · abduct · abnormal · abstract · avert
   [Wiktionary: ab-, abs-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ab-)
3. **-able, -ible** suffix · Makes adjectives
   able to be, worth being
   [Latin *-ābilis*, -ibilis, through French]
   readable · comfortable · incredible · visible · flexible
   [Wiktionary: -able, -ible](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-able)
4. **ad- (ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, ap-, ar-, as-, at-)** prefix · Place & direction
   to, toward
   [Latin *ad* ‘to, toward’]
   adhere · accept · affix · allocate · attract
   [Wiktionary: ad- (ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, ap-, ar-, as-, at-)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ad-)
5. **-al** suffix · Makes adjectives
   relating to; the act of
   [Latin *-ālis*]
   natural · musical · personal · arrival · refusal
   [Wiktionary: -al](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-al)
6. **ambi-** prefix · Place & direction
   both, around
   [Latin *ambi-* ‘around, on both sides’]
   ambiguous · ambidextrous · ambivalent · ambient
   [Wiktionary: ambi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ambi-)
7. **amphi-** prefix · Place & direction
   both kinds, on both sides, around
   [Greek *ἀμφί* (amphí) ‘on both sides, around’]
   amphibian · amphitheater · amphibious
   [Wiktionary: amphi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/amphi-)
8. **ana-** prefix · Place & direction
   up, back, again
   [Greek *ἀνά* (aná) ‘up, back, again’]
   analysis · anatomy · anachronism · anagram
   [Wiktionary: ana-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ana-)
9. **-ance, -ence, -ancy, -ency** suffix · Makes nouns
   state, quality or action
   [Latin *-antia*, -entia, through French]
   performance · independence · assistance · existence · fluency
   [Wiktionary: -ance, -ence, -ancy, -ency](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ance)
10. **ante-** prefix · Time & order
    before
    [Latin *ante* ‘before’]
    antecedent · anteroom · antedate · antebellum
    [Wiktionary: ante-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ante-)
11. **-ant, -ent** suffix · Makes words for people
    doing; a person or thing that does
    [Latin *present participle -āns*, -ēns (-antem, -entem)]
    assistant · servant · student · resident · different
    [Wiktionary: -ant, -ent](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ant)
12. **anti-, ant-** prefix · Not & against
    against, opposite of
    [Greek *ἀντί* (antí) ‘against, opposite’]
    antibiotic · antisocial · antidote · antonym · antacid
    [Wiktionary: anti-, ant-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/anti-)
13. **apo-** prefix · Place & direction
    away from, off
    [Greek *ἀπό* (apó) ‘away from’]
    apology · apostrophe · apostle · apogee
    [Wiktionary: apo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/apo-)
14. **-ar** suffix · Makes adjectives
    relating to, like
    [Latin *-āris*]
    solar · lunar · circular · muscular · popular
    [Wiktionary: -ar](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ar)
15. **-arium, -orium** suffix · Makes nouns
    a place for
    [Latin *-ārium*, -ōrium]
    aquarium · auditorium · planetarium · sanatorium
    [Wiktionary: -arium, -orium](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-arium)
16. **-ary** suffix · Makes adjectives
    relating to; a place or collection
    [Latin *-ārius*, -ārium]
    library · dictionary · primary · documentary · solitary
    [Wiktionary: -ary](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ary)
17. **-ate** suffix · Makes verbs
    to make or act on; having, full of
    [Latin *-ātus*, past participle ending of verbs in -āre]
    activate · celebrate · fortunate · passionate · separate
    [Wiktionary: -ate](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ate)
18. **-ation, -ition** suffix · Makes nouns
    the act, process or result of
    [Latin *-ātiō*, -ātiōnis]
    creation · transportation · imagination · competition
    [Wiktionary: -ation, -ition](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ation)
19. **auto-** prefix · Manner & quality
    self, by itself
    [Greek *αὐτός* (autós) ‘self’]
    automatic · autobiography · autograph · autonomy
    [Wiktionary: auto-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/auto-)
20. **be-** prefix · Manner & quality
    thoroughly; to make or treat as
    [Old English *be-* (from bī ‘by, near’)]
    befriend · belittle · bewitch · becalm
    [Wiktionary: be-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/be-)
21. **bene-** prefix · Manner & quality
    well, good
    [Latin *bene* ‘well’]
    benefit · benevolent · benediction · beneficial
    [Wiktionary: bene-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bene#Latin)
22. **bi-** prefix · Number
    two, twice
    [Latin *bi-* ‘twice, double’ (from bis)]
    bicycle · bilingual · binoculars · bisect · biannual
    [Wiktionary: bi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bi-)
23. **cata-, cat-** prefix · Place & direction
    down, against, completely
    [Greek *κατά* (katá) ‘down’]
    catastrophe · catalog · catapult · cataract · cathode
    [Wiktionary: cata-, cat-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cata-)
24. **cent-, centi-** prefix · Number
    hundred; one hundredth
    [Latin *centum* ‘hundred’]
    century · centipede · centimeter · percent · centennial
    [Wiktionary: cent-, centi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/centi-)
25. **-cide** suffix · Science & fields of study
    killing; killer
    [Latin *-cīda*, -cīdium, from caedere ‘to kill’]
    pesticide · homicide · insecticide · genocide
    [Wiktionary: -cide](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-cide)
26. **circum-** prefix · Place & direction
    around
    [Latin *circum* ‘around’]
    circumference · circumnavigate · circumstance · circumvent
    [Wiktionary: circum-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/circum-)
27. **-cle, -cule** suffix · Makes nouns
    small
    [Latin *-culus*, -cula, -culum]
    particle · molecule · minuscule · corpuscle
    [Wiktionary: -cle, -cule](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-cule)
28. **com-, con-, col-, cor-, co-** prefix · Together & apart
    with, together; thoroughly
    [Latin *cum* ‘with’ (com- and con- in compounds)]
    combine · connect · collect · correspond · cooperate
    [Wiktionary: com-, con-, col-, cor-, co-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/com-)
29. **contra-, contro-, counter-** prefix · Not & against
    against, opposite
    [Latin *contrā* ‘against’ (counter- through French)]
    contradict · contrary · controversy · counteract
    [Wiktionary: contra-, contro-, counter-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/contra-)
30. **-cracy, -crat** suffix · Science & fields of study
    rule, government; one who rules or supports a kind of rule
    [Greek -*κρατία* (-kratía), from *κράτος* (krátos) ‘power, rule’]
    democracy · aristocracy · autocracy · bureaucrat · democrat
    [Wiktionary: -cracy, -crat](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-cracy)
31. **de-** prefix · Place & direction
    down, away, off; reverse or remove
    [Latin *dē* ‘down from, away’]
    descend · deflate · detach · decode · deduct
    [Wiktionary: de-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/de-)
32. **deca-** prefix · Number
    ten
    [Greek *δέκα* (déka) ‘ten’]
    decade · decagon · decathlon · decapod
    [Wiktionary: deca-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/deca-)
33. **deci-** prefix · Number
    one tenth; ten
    [Latin *decimus* ‘tenth’, *decem* ‘ten’]
    decimal · decimeter · decibel · decimate
    [Wiktionary: deci-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/deci-)
34. **di-** prefix · Number
    two, double
    [Greek *δι-* (di-), from *δίς* (dís) ‘twice’]
    dioxide · dilemma · diphthong · dipole
    [Wiktionary: di-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/di-)
35. **dia-** prefix · Place & direction
    through, across, apart
    [Greek *διά* (diá) ‘through’]
    diagonal · diameter · dialogue · diagnosis · diorama
    [Wiktionary: dia-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dia-)
36. **dis-, dif-** prefix · Not & against
    apart, away; not, the opposite of
    [Latin *dis-* ‘apart, asunder’]
    disagree · dissect · disappear · differ · dismiss
    [Wiktionary: dis-, dif-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dis-)
37. **-dom** suffix · Makes nouns
    state, condition; realm
    [Old English *-dōm*]
    kingdom · freedom · wisdom · boredom
    [Wiktionary: -dom](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-dom)
38. **dys-** prefix · Manner & quality
    bad, difficult, abnormal
    [Greek *δυσ-* (dus-) ‘bad, hard’]
    dysfunction · dyslexia · dystopia · dyspepsia
    [Wiktionary: dys-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dys-)
39. **-ectomy** suffix · Science & fields of study
    surgical removal
    [Greek *ἐκτομή* (ektomḗ) ‘a cutting out’]
    appendectomy · tonsillectomy · mastectomy
    [Wiktionary: -ectomy](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ectomy)
40. **-ee** suffix · Makes words for people
    a person who receives or undergoes
    [French *-é*, from Latin *-ātus*]
    employee · trainee · refugee · nominee
    [Wiktionary: -ee](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ee)
41. **endo-** prefix · Place & direction
    within, inside
    [Greek *ἔνδον* (éndon) ‘within’]
    endoscope · endocrine · endothermic · endoskeleton
    [Wiktionary: endo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/endo-)
42. **en-, em-** prefix · Manner & quality
    to put into; to make, cause to be
    [Latin *in-* ‘in, into’, through French *en-*]
    enable · enclose · encourage · empower · embrace
    [Wiktionary: en-, em-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/en-)
43. **en-, em- (Greek)** prefix · Place & direction
    in, within
    [Greek *ἐν* (en) ‘in’]
    energy · empathy · emphasis · enthusiasm
    [Wiktionary: en-, em- (Greek)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E1%BC%90%CE%BD#Ancient_Greek)
44. **epi-, ep-** prefix · Place & direction
    on, upon, over, after
    [Greek *ἐπί* (epí) ‘upon, over’]
    epidermis · epidemic · epilogue · epicenter · epitaph
    [Wiktionary: epi-, ep-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/epi-)
45. **-escent, -escence** suffix · Makes adjectives
    becoming, beginning to be
    [Latin *-ēscēns*, present participle of verbs in -ēscere]
    adolescent · fluorescent · effervescent · convalescent
    [Wiktionary: -escent, -escence](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-escent)
46. **-esque** suffix · Makes adjectives
    in the style of
    [French *-esque*, from Italian *-esco*]
    picturesque · statuesque · Kafkaesque
    [Wiktionary: -esque](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-esque)
47. **eu-** prefix · Manner & quality
    good, well
    [Greek *εὖ* (eû) ‘well’]
    euphoria · eulogy · euphemism · euthanasia
    [Wiktionary: eu-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/eu-)
48. **ex-, e-, ef-** prefix · Place & direction
    out, out of; former
    [Latin *ex* ‘out of’ (ē- before some consonants)]
    exit · export · extract · eject · effect
    [Wiktionary: ex-, e-, ef-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ex-)
49. **exo-** prefix · Place & direction
    outside, outer
    [Greek *ἔξω* (éxō) ‘outside’]
    exoskeleton · exotic · exothermic · exosphere
    [Wiktionary: exo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/exo-)
50. **extra-** prefix · Place & direction
    outside, beyond
    [Latin *extrā* ‘outside’]
    extraordinary · extraterrestrial · extracurricular · extravagant
    [Wiktionary: extra-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/extra-)
51. **fore-** prefix · Time & order
    before, in front
    [Old English *fore* ‘before’]
    forecast · forehead · foresee · foreword
    [Wiktionary: fore-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/fore-)
52. **-ful** suffix · Makes adjectives
    full of; the amount that fills
    [Old English *-full*]
    hopeful · careful · wonderful · spoonful
    [Wiktionary: -ful](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ful)
53. **-fy, -ify** suffix · Makes verbs
    to make, to become
    [Latin *-ficāre*, from facere ‘to make’, through French *-fier*]
    simplify · magnify · clarify · purify · terrify
    [Wiktionary: -fy, -ify](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-fy)
54. **-graphy** suffix · Science & fields of study
    writing, recording or describing; a field of study
    [Greek -*γραφία* (-graphía), from *γράφειν* (gráphein) ‘to write’]
    biography · geography · photography · calligraphy
    [Wiktionary: -graphy](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-graphy)
55. **hecto-** prefix · Number
    hundred
    [Greek *ἑκατόν* (hekatón) ‘hundred’, through French]
    hectare · hectometer · hectopascal
    [Wiktionary: hecto-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hecto-)
56. **hemi-** prefix · Number
    half
    [Greek *ἡμι-* (hēmi-) ‘half’]
    hemisphere · hemicycle · hemiplegia
    [Wiktionary: hemi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hemi-)
57. **hepta-** prefix · Number
    seven
    [Greek *ἑπτά* (heptá) ‘seven’]
    heptagon · heptathlon · heptameter
    [Wiktionary: hepta-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hepta-)
58. **hetero-** prefix · Manner & quality
    other, different
    [Greek *ἕτερος* (héteros) ‘other’]
    heterogeneous · heteronym · heterodox
    [Wiktionary: hetero-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hetero-)
59. **hexa-** prefix · Number
    six
    [Greek *ἕξ* (héx) ‘six’]
    hexagon · hexameter · hexapod
    [Wiktionary: hexa-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hexa-)
60. **homo-, homeo-** prefix · Manner & quality
    same, alike
    [Greek *ὁμός* (homós) ‘same’]
    homogeneous · homonym · homophone · homograph
    [Wiktionary: homo-, homeo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/homo-)
61. **-hood** suffix · Makes nouns
    state or time of being
    [Old English *-hād* ‘state, rank’]
    childhood · neighborhood · adulthood · brotherhood
    [Wiktionary: -hood](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-hood)
62. **hyper-** prefix · Size & degree
    over, above, beyond, too much
    [Greek *ὑπέρ* (hupér) ‘over, beyond’]
    hyperactive · hyperbole · hypertension · hyperventilate
    [Wiktionary: hyper-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hyper-)
63. **hypo-, hyp-** prefix · Size & degree
    under, below, less than normal
    [Greek *ὑπό* (hupó) ‘under’]
    hypothermia · hypodermic · hypothesis · hyphen
    [Wiktionary: hypo-, hyp-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hypo-)
64. **-ia** suffix · Science & fields of study
    condition, state; place
    [Greek and Latin *-ia*, a noun ending]
    insomnia · nostalgia · anemia · utopia
    [Wiktionary: -ia](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ia)
65. **-ian, -ician, -arian** suffix · Makes words for people
    relating to; a person skilled in
    [Latin *-iānus*]
    musician · librarian · historian · pediatrician
    [Wiktionary: -ian, -ician, -arian](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ian)
66. **-ic, -ical** suffix · Makes adjectives
    relating to, characteristic of
    [Greek -*ικός* (-ikós), Latin *-icus*]
    historic · athletic · poetic · scientific · musical
    [Wiktionary: -ic, -ical](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ic)
67. **-ics** suffix · Science & fields of study
    a field of study or practice
    [Greek -*ικά* (-iká), plural of -*ικός*]
    physics · economics · athletics · politics
    [Wiktionary: -ics](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ics)
68. **-id** suffix · Makes adjectives
    having a quality, in a state
    [Latin *-idus*]
    vivid · rapid · fluid · lucid · timid
    [Wiktionary: -id](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-id)
69. **-ile** suffix · Makes adjectives
    able to; relating to
    [Latin *-ilis*]
    fragile · mobile · juvenile · docile · tactile
    [Wiktionary: -ile](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ile)
70. **-ine** suffix · Makes adjectives
    relating to, like
    [Latin *-īnus*]
    canine · feline · marine · equine
    [Wiktionary: -ine](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ine)
71. **infra-** prefix · Place & direction
    below, beneath
    [Latin *īnfrā* ‘below’]
    infrared · infrastructure · infrasound
    [Wiktionary: infra-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/infra-)
72. **in-, im-, il-, ir- (into)** prefix · Place & direction
    in, into, on, toward
    [Latin *in* ‘in, into’]
    include · inject · import · illuminate · irrigate
    [Wiktionary: in-, im-, il-, ir- (into)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/in-)
73. **in-, im-, il-, ir- (not)** prefix · Not & against
    not, without
    [Latin *in-* ‘not, un-’]
    inactive · incredible · impossible · illegal · irregular
    [Wiktionary: in-, im-, il-, ir- (not)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/in-)
74. **inter-** prefix · Place & direction
    between, among
    [Latin *inter* ‘between’]
    international · interrupt · intersect · interval
    [Wiktionary: inter-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/inter-)
75. **intra-, intro-** prefix · Place & direction
    within, inward
    [Latin *intrā* ‘within’, *intrō* ‘inwardly’]
    intravenous · intramural · introvert · introduce
    [Wiktionary: intra-, intro-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/intra-)
76. **-ion, -tion, -sion** suffix · Makes nouns
    the act, process or result of
    [Latin *-iō*, -iōnis]
    action · decision · invention · mission · union
    [Wiktionary: -ion, -tion, -sion](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ion)
77. **-ish** suffix · Makes adjectives
    somewhat; like; of a nation
    [Old English *-isc*]
    childish · reddish · foolish · English
    [Wiktionary: -ish](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ish)
78. **-ism** suffix · Makes nouns
    belief, practice or condition
    [Greek -*ισμός* (-ismós), through Latin and French]
    heroism · criticism · realism · tourism · magnetism
    [Wiktionary: -ism](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ism)
79. **-ist** suffix · Makes words for people
    a person who does, practises or believes
    [Greek -*ιστής* (-istḗs), through Latin and French]
    artist · dentist · pianist · scientist · cyclist
    [Wiktionary: -ist](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ist)
80. **-itis** suffix · Science & fields of study
    inflammation of
    [Greek -*ῖτις* (-îtis)]
    arthritis · tonsillitis · bronchitis · appendicitis
    [Wiktionary: -itis](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-itis)
81. **-ity** suffix · Makes nouns
    state or quality of
    [Latin *-itās*, -itātis, through French *-ité*]
    ability · curiosity · equality · reality · variety
    [Wiktionary: -ity](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ity)
82. **-ive, -ative, -itive** suffix · Makes adjectives
    tending to, doing
    [Latin *-īvus*, through French *-if*]
    active · creative · talkative · expensive · sensitive
    [Wiktionary: -ive, -ative, -itive](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ive)
83. **-ize, -ise** suffix · Makes verbs
    to make, to become, to do
    [Greek -*ίζειν* (-ízein), through Latin *-izāre*]
    realize · modernize · criticize · organize · sympathize
    [Wiktionary: -ize, -ise](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ize)
84. **kilo-** prefix · Number
    thousand
    [Greek *χίλιοι* (khílioi) ‘thousand’, through French]
    kilogram · kilometer · kilowatt · kilobyte
    [Wiktionary: kilo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/kilo-)
85. **-less** suffix · Makes adjectives
    without
    [Old English *-lēas* ‘free from, without’]
    careless · hopeless · homeless · endless
    [Wiktionary: -less](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-less)
86. **-logy, -ology** suffix · Science & fields of study
    study of, science of; speech
    [Greek -*λογία* (-logía), from *λόγος* (lógos) ‘word, reason’]
    biology · geology · psychology · zoology · technology
    [Wiktionary: -logy, -ology](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-logy)
87. **-ly** suffix · Makes adverbs
    in a certain way; like, every
    [Old English *-līċe*, *-līċ* ‘like’]
    quickly · slowly · friendly · weekly
    [Wiktionary: -ly](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ly)
88. **macro-** prefix · Size & degree
    large, long
    [Greek *μακρός* (makrós) ‘long, large’]
    macroeconomics · macrocosm · macroscopic
    [Wiktionary: macro-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/macro-)
89. **mal-, male-** prefix · Manner & quality
    bad, badly
    [Latin *male* ‘badly’, *malus* ‘bad’ (through French *mal)*]
    malfunction · malnutrition · malevolent · malediction
    [Wiktionary: mal-, male-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mal-)
90. **-mania, -maniac** suffix · Science & fields of study
    madness; extreme enthusiasm
    [Greek *μανία* (manía) ‘madness’]
    kleptomania · pyromaniac · megalomania
    [Wiktionary: -mania, -maniac](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-mania)
91. **mega-, megalo-** prefix · Size & degree
    large, great; one million
    [Greek *μέγας* (mégas) ‘great’]
    megaphone · megabyte · megalith · megawatt
    [Wiktionary: mega-, megalo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mega-)
92. **-ment** suffix · Makes nouns
    the action, result or means of
    [Latin *-mentum*, through French]
    government · movement · payment · statement · enjoyment
    [Wiktionary: -ment](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ment)
93. **meso-** prefix · Place & direction
    middle
    [Greek *μέσος* (mésos) ‘middle’]
    Mesopotamia · mesosphere · Mesozoic
    [Wiktionary: meso-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/meso-)
94. **meta-, met-** prefix · Manner & quality
    after, beyond; change
    [Greek *μετά* (metá) ‘after, beyond, with’]
    metaphor · metamorphosis · metabolism · metaphysics
    [Wiktionary: meta-, met-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/meta-)
95. **micro-** prefix · Size & degree
    small
    [Greek *μικρός* (mikrós) ‘small’]
    microscope · microphone · microbe · microwave
    [Wiktionary: micro-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/micro-)
96. **milli-, mill-** prefix · Number
    thousand; one thousandth
    [Latin *mīlle* ‘thousand’]
    millennium · millimeter · million · millipede
    [Wiktionary: milli-, mill-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/milli-)
97. **miso-, mis- (hatred)** prefix · Manner & quality
    hatred, dislike
    [Greek *μισέω* (miséō) ‘to hate’, *μῖσος* (mîsos) ‘hatred’]
    misanthrope · misogyny · misology
    [Wiktionary: miso-, mis- (hatred)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/miso-)
98. **mis- (wrongly)** prefix · Not & against
    wrongly, badly
    [Old English *mis-* ‘wrongly’]
    misspell · mistake · misunderstand · mislead
    [Wiktionary: mis- (wrongly)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mis-)
99. **mono-, mon-** prefix · Number
    one, single, alone
    [Greek *μόνος* (mónos) ‘alone, single’]
    monologue · monotone · monopoly · monarch · monorail
    [Wiktionary: mono-, mon-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mono-)
100. **-mony** suffix · Makes nouns
     state, condition or result
     [Latin *-mōnia*, -mōnium]
     matrimony · testimony · parsimony · acrimony
     [Wiktionary: -mony](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-mony)
101. **multi-** prefix · Size & degree
     many
     [Latin *multus* ‘much, many’]
     multiply · multimedia · multicolored · multitude
     [Wiktionary: multi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/multi-)
102. **neo-** prefix · Time & order
     new
     [Greek *νέος* (néos) ‘new’]
     neologism · neonatal · neoclassical · neophyte
     [Wiktionary: neo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/neo-)
103. **-ness** suffix · Makes nouns
     state or quality of being
     [Old English *-nes*, -nis]
     kindness · happiness · darkness · fitness
     [Wiktionary: -ness](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ness)
104. **non-** prefix · Not & against
     not
     [Latin *nōn* ‘not’]
     nonsense · nonfiction · nonstop · nonprofit
     [Wiktionary: non-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/non-)
105. **nona-, novem-** prefix · Number
     nine
     [Latin *nōnus* ‘ninth’, *novem* ‘nine’]
     nonagon · nonagenarian · November
     [Wiktionary: nona-, novem-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nona-)
106. **ob- (oc-, of-, op-)** prefix · Place & direction
     toward, against, in the way
     [Latin *ob* ‘toward, against’]
     object · obstruct · occur · offend · oppose
     [Wiktionary: ob- (oc-, of-, op-)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ob-)
107. **oct-, octo-, octa-** prefix · Number
     eight
     [Latin *octō*, Greek *ὀκτώ* (oktṓ) ‘eight’]
     octopus · octagon · October · octave · octet
     [Wiktionary: oct-, octo-, octa-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/octo-)
108. **-oid** suffix · Makes adjectives
     like, resembling
     [Greek -*ειδής* (-eidḗs) ‘-like’, from *εἶδος* (eîdos) ‘form’]
     android · asteroid · humanoid · spheroid
     [Wiktionary: -oid](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-oid)
109. **omni-** prefix · Size & degree
     all, every
     [Latin *omnis* ‘all’]
     omnivore · omnipotent · omniscient · omnipresent
     [Wiktionary: omni-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/omni-)
110. **-or** suffix · Makes words for people
     a person or thing that does
     [Latin *-or*, -tor, -sor]
     actor · inventor · spectator · elevator · conductor
     [Wiktionary: -or](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-or)
111. **-ory** suffix · Makes adjectives
     relating to; a place for
     [Latin *-ōrius*, -ōrium]
     laboratory · dormitory · observatory · sensory · memory
     [Wiktionary: -ory](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ory)
112. **-osis, -sis** suffix · Science & fields of study
     a process, action or condition
     [Greek -*ωσις* (-ōsis), -*σις* (-sis)]
     diagnosis · hypnosis · metamorphosis · analysis · synthesis
     [Wiktionary: -osis, -sis](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-osis)
113. **-ous, -ious, -ose** suffix · Makes adjectives
     full of, having
     [Latin *-ōsus*, through French *-eux*]
     famous · dangerous · curious · generous · verbose
     [Wiktionary: -ous, -ious, -ose](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ous)
114. **out-** prefix · Place & direction
     outside; more or better than
     [Old English *ūt* ‘out’]
     outrun · outlive · outdoor · outnumber
     [Wiktionary: out-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/out-)
115. **over-** prefix · Size & degree
     above; too much
     [Old English *ofer* ‘over’]
     overcook · overflow · overlook · overcome
     [Wiktionary: over-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/over-)
116. **pan-, panto-** prefix · Size & degree
     all, every
     [Greek *πᾶς* (pâs), neuter *πᾶν* (pân) ‘all’]
     panorama · pandemic · panacea · pantheon
     [Wiktionary: pan-, panto-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pan-)
117. **para-, par-** prefix · Place & direction
     beside, alongside; beyond
     [Greek *παρά* (pará) ‘beside’]
     paragraph · parallel · paradox · parasite · parody
     [Wiktionary: para-, par-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/para-)
118. **pen-, pene-** prefix · Size & degree
     almost
     [Latin *paene* ‘almost’]
     peninsula · penultimate · penumbra
     [Wiktionary: pen-, pene-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pene-)
119. **penta-** prefix · Number
     five
     [Greek *πέντε* (pénte) ‘five’]
     pentagon · pentathlon · pentameter
     [Wiktionary: penta-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/penta-)
120. **per-** prefix · Place & direction
     through, thoroughly
     [Latin *per* ‘through’]
     perfect · perforate · permit · persist · perennial
     [Wiktionary: per-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/per-)
121. **peri-** prefix · Place & direction
     around, near
     [Greek *περί* (perí) ‘around’]
     perimeter · periscope · period · peripheral
     [Wiktionary: peri-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/peri-)
122. **-phobia, -phobe** suffix · Science & fields of study
     fear or strong dislike of
     [Greek -*φοβία* (-phobía), from *φόβος* (phóbos) ‘fear’]
     claustrophobia · arachnophobia · xenophobia · technophobe
     [Wiktionary: -phobia, -phobe](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-phobia)
123. **poly-** prefix · Size & degree
     many
     [Greek *πολύς* (polús) ‘much, many’]
     polygon · polyglot · polymer · polytheism
     [Wiktionary: poly-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/poly-)
124. **post-** prefix · Time & order
     after, behind
     [Latin *post* ‘after, behind’]
     postpone · postscript · postwar · posterior
     [Wiktionary: post-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/post-)
125. **pre-** prefix · Time & order
     before, in front
     [Latin *prae* ‘before’]
     preview · predict · prepare · prefix · precede
     [Wiktionary: pre-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pre-)
126. **pro- (before)** prefix · Time & order
     before, in front
     [Greek *πρό* (pró) ‘before’]
     prologue · prophet · problem · program
     [Wiktionary: pro- (before)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CF%80%CF%81%CF%8C#Ancient_Greek)
127. **pro- (forward)** prefix · Place & direction
     forward, forth; in favor of
     [Latin *prō* ‘forward, for’]
     proceed · produce · promote · project · propel
     [Wiktionary: pro- (forward)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pro-)
128. **proto-, prot-** prefix · Time & order
     first, earliest
     [Greek *πρῶτος* (prôtos) ‘first’]
     prototype · protocol · protagonist · proton
     [Wiktionary: proto-, prot-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/proto-)
129. **pseudo-** prefix · Manner & quality
     false, fake
     [Greek *ψευδής* (pseudḗs) ‘false’]
     pseudonym · pseudoscience · pseudopod
     [Wiktionary: pseudo-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pseudo-)
130. **quadr-, quadri-, quadru-** prefix · Number
     four
     [Latin *quattuor* ‘four’ (quadri- in compounds)]
     quadrilateral · quadruple · quadrant · quadrangle
     [Wiktionary: quadr-, quadri-, quadru-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/quadri-)
131. **quint-, quinque-** prefix · Number
     five
     [Latin *quīntus* ‘fifth’, *quīnque* ‘five’]
     quintet · quintuplet · quintessence
     [Wiktionary: quint-, quinque-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/quinque-)
132. **re-, red-** prefix · Time & order
     again; back
     [Latin *re-* ‘again, back’]
     return · rebuild · react · reject · revise
     [Wiktionary: re-, red-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/re-)
133. **retro-** prefix · Time & order
     backward, back in time
     [Latin *retrō* ‘backward’]
     retrospect · retroactive · retrograde · retrofit
     [Wiktionary: retro-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/retro-)
134. **se-** prefix · Together & apart
     apart, aside
     [Latin *sē-* ‘apart, without’]
     separate · secede · secure · select · seclude
     [Wiktionary: se-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/se-#Latin)
135. **semi-** prefix · Number
     half, partly
     [Latin *sēmi-* ‘half’]
     semicircle · semifinal · semiconductor · semicolon
     [Wiktionary: semi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/semi-)
136. **sept-, septem-, septi-** prefix · Number
     seven
     [Latin *septem* ‘seven’]
     September · septet · septuagenarian
     [Wiktionary: sept-, septem-, septi-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/septi-)
137. **sext-, sexa-** prefix · Number
     six
     [Latin *sex* ‘six’, *sextus* ‘sixth’]
     sextet · sextant · sexagenarian
     [Wiktionary: sext-, sexa-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sexa-)
138. **-ship** suffix · Makes nouns
     state, condition or skill
     [Old English *-scipe*]
     friendship · leadership · citizenship · hardship
     [Wiktionary: -ship](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ship)
139. **-some** suffix · Makes adjectives
     tending to, causing
     [Old English *-sum*]
     awesome · lonesome · troublesome · tiresome
     [Wiktionary: -some](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-some)
140. **sub- (suc-, suf-, sug-, sup-, sur-, sus-)** prefix · Place & direction
     under, below; less than
     [Latin *sub* ‘under’]
     submarine · subway · succeed · suffix · support
     [Wiktionary: sub- (suc-, suf-, sug-, sup-, sur-, sus-)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sub-)
141. **super-, supra-, sur-** prefix · Place & direction
     above, over, beyond
     [Latin *super*, *suprā* ‘above’ (sur- through French)]
     supervise · superior · supernatural · surpass · surname
     [Wiktionary: super-, supra-, sur-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/super-)
142. **syn-, sym-, syl-, sys-** prefix · Together & apart
     together, with
     [Greek *σύν* (sún) ‘with, together’]
     synonym · symphony · sympathy · syllable · system
     [Wiktionary: syn-, sym-, syl-, sys-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/syn-)
143. **tele-** prefix · Place & direction
     far, at a distance
     [Greek *τῆλε* (têle) ‘far off’]
     telephone · television · telescope · telegraph · telepathy
     [Wiktionary: tele-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tele-)
144. **tetra-** prefix · Number
     four
     [Greek *τέτταρες* (téttares) ‘four’ (*τετρα-* in compounds)]
     tetrahedron · tetralogy · tetrapod
     [Wiktionary: tetra-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tetra-)
145. **trans-** prefix · Place & direction
     across, beyond, through
     [Latin *trāns* ‘across’]
     transport · transfer · translate · transmit · transparent
     [Wiktionary: trans-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/trans-)
146. **tri-** prefix · Number
     three
     [Latin *trēs*, Greek *τρεῖς* (treîs) ‘three’]
     triangle · tricycle · trilogy · tripod · trio
     [Wiktionary: tri-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tri-)
147. **-tude, -itude** suffix · Makes nouns
     state or quality of
     [Latin *-tūdō*, -tūdinis]
     attitude · gratitude · solitude · magnitude · altitude
     [Wiktionary: -tude, -itude](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-tude)
148. **ultra-** prefix · Size & degree
     beyond, extremely
     [Latin *ultrā* ‘beyond’]
     ultraviolet · ultrasound · ultramarine
     [Wiktionary: ultra-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ultra-)
149. **un-** prefix · Not & against
     not; the reverse of
     [Old English *un-* ‘not’]
     unhappy · unable · undo · unlock · unbelievable
     [Wiktionary: un-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/un-)
150. **under-** prefix · Size & degree
     below; too little
     [Old English *under* ‘under’]
     underground · underline · underestimate · underwater
     [Wiktionary: under-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/under-)
151. **uni-** prefix · Number
     one
     [Latin *ūnus* ‘one’]
     unicycle · uniform · unicorn · unify · universe
     [Wiktionary: uni-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/uni-)
152. **-ure** suffix · Makes nouns
     the act, process or result of
     [Latin *-ūra*]
     culture · failure · mixture · procedure · closure
     [Wiktionary: -ure](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ure)
153. **vice-** prefix · Manner & quality
     in place of, deputy
     [Latin *vice* ‘in place of’]
     viceroy · vice-president · vice-chancellor
     [Wiktionary: vice-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/vice-)
154. **-ward, -wards** suffix · Makes adverbs
     in the direction of
     [Old English *-weard*]
     backward · toward · forward · homeward
     [Wiktionary: -ward, -wards](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ward)
155. **with-** prefix · Not & against
     against; back, away
     [Old English *wiþ* ‘against’]
     withdraw · withhold · withstand
     [Wiktionary: with-](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/with-)
156. **-y (adjective)** suffix · Makes adjectives
     full of, like (forms adjectives)
     [Old English *-iġ*]
     rainy · sleepy · dusty · salty
     [Wiktionary: -y (adjective)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-y)
157. **-y (noun)** suffix · Makes nouns
     state, quality or act (forms nouns)
     [Greek and Latin *-ia*, through French *-ie*]
     geometry · monarchy · victory · sympathy · jealousy
     [Wiktionary: -y (noun)](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-y)

## Using the list

Search by spelling (*-able*, *sub*), by meaning (*not*, *three*, *small*) or by a word you want to understand (*misspell*). **Type** narrows the list to prefixes or suffixes, **Language** to Latin, Greek or Old English, and **Kind of meaning** to groups such as numbers or suffixes that make adjectives. Assimilated spellings are listed under their main prefix, so *im-* is found under *in-*.

Suffixes often tell you a word’s job: *-tion* and *-ness* make nouns, *-ous* and *-able* make adjectives, *-ize* and *-fy* make verbs. Each entry links the Wiktionary page it was checked against.

## Questions

**Is it un- or in-?**

There is no rule that always works. Un- is the native English prefix and is used freely; in- arrived inside words borrowed from Latin or French. When in doubt, check a dictionary: *unable* and *inability* are both standard.

**Why is it bicycle but dilemma?**

Bi- is the Latin ‘two’ and di- the Greek one. Words built in Greek, such as *dilemma*, keep the Greek prefix; Latin and later English coinages, such as *bicycle*, mostly use the Latin one.

**What does assimilation mean?**

A sound becoming more like its neighbour. The n of in- turns into m before b, m and p, which are made with the lips, and copies an l or r, so in + legal became *illegal*.