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Prefixes and combining forms—T to Z
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Want to expand your vocabulary? Figure out the meaning of an unknown word? If so, learning to identify prefixes and understanding their meaning will help you do just that.
What's a prefix? It's a word form that attaches itself to the beginning of another word (the base word) to change the word's meaning. For example, the prefix ex means “former.” Connect it to the base word friend, and you're no longer on friendly terms—you're an ex-friend. Big difference!
But what about ex in the word exclude? Is that a prefix, too? No, it isn't. It's a combining form meaning “out,” and it attaches itself to a root word, not a base word. Remove the ex, and you're left with the root clude, which makes no sense by itself.
Have fun increasing your word knowledge with these common English prefixes and combining forms.
T
tele
Meaning 1: from a distance
Example: Once a week, I telework from home.
Meaning 2: television
Example: The program will be telecast at 9:00 p.m.
Meaning 3: via telecommunications
Example: Telehealth provides health care services through technology.
tetra
Meaning: four
Example: A tetragon is a four-sided shape.
theo
Meaning: God
Example: Theology is the study of religions.
therm
Meaning: heat
Example: A thermometer measures body heat.
topo
Meaning: place
Example: Canada's topography is dominated by the Canadian Shield.
toxi, toxico
Meaning: poison
Examples: Some toxins are released through the skin.
Toxicology is the study of poisons.
trans
Meaning 1: across
Example: We're taking a transatlantic cruise!
Meaning 2: beyond
Example: His behaviour transcends logic.
Meaning 3: through
Example: Cook the onions until they are translucent.
tri
Meaning: three
Example: The child was riding her tricycle.
U
ultra
Meaning: immensely, overly
Example: Shoppers will enjoy the car's ultramodern design.
un
Meaning 1: not
Example: I am unaccustomed to hot, humid summers.
Meaning 2: absence of
Example: A wave of unrest grips the city as protesters take to the streets.
Meaning 3: reversal of
Example: Can you unlock the door for me?
uni
Meaning: one
Example: On Sesame Street, Ernie's friend Bert sports a unibrow.
V
vice
Meaning: a person who replaces someone else in a certain function
Example: The vice-principal is in charge during the principal's absence.
viti
Meaning: vine
Example: The growth of Prince Edward County's wine and viticulture industry is phenomenal.
Z
zoo
Meaning: animal
Example: A zoologist studies animals.
