4th Grade Prefixes and Suffixes Worksheet
A prefix goes before a root word and a suffix goes after — both change the meaning. Build and define words using common affixes.
- Homework
- Review
- Test Prep
- Centers
Download the Free Printable PDF
No sign-up required. Clean, low-ink US Letter format.
- Grade
- 4th Grade
- Subject
- Reading
- Skill
- Vocabulary
- Topic
- prefixes and suffixes (affixes)
- Difficulty
- Standard
- Time
- 18 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, review, test prep, centers
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will use common prefixes and suffixes to build words and determine word meaning from affixes.
- Knowing common prefixes (re-, un-, pre-, mis-)
- Knowing common suffixes (-ful, -less, -ly, -ness)
- Using affixes to figure out word meaning
Inside This Printable
Student directions: Add the prefix or suffix to the root word, write the new word, and tell what it means.
Worked example
un- + happy -> unhappy (not happy)
Sample questions
- re- + read
- un- + lock
- pre- + view
The PDF contains 8 practice questions plus 2 challenge questions.
Worksheet Preview
Word parts unlock new words
A prefix attaches to the front of a root word and a suffix to the end — and each one changes the meaning. Learn that un- means “not,” re- means “again,” -ful means “full of,” and -less means “without,” and you can figure out thousands of words you’ve never seen before.
The power prefixes and suffixes
| Affix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| un- | not | unhappy, unfair |
| re- | again | redo, replay |
| dis- | not / opposite | disagree, disappear |
| pre- | before | preview, pretest |
| -ful | full of | careful, hopeful |
| -less | without | fearless, careless |
| -er / -or | one who | teacher, actor |
| -ly | in a way | quickly, softly |
Worked example
un + happy → not happy → unhappy care + less → without care → careless
How to solve each item
Read the root word first, then add the prefix or suffix and talk about how the meaning shifts. Watch for spelling changes (happy → happiness). Break unknown words into parts: root → prefix → suffix.
Guided practice (try before the worksheet)
- What does re- do to the word read? → read again
- Build the opposite of fair with a prefix → unfair
- A careless driver is a driver… → without care
- What does -er add to teach? → one who teaches
Why it matters
Morphology (word parts) is one of the strongest vocabulary-builders there is: one root family can teach you dozens of words. It’s the same skill 4th grade readers use to decode science and history terms.
Next steps
This affix knowledge powers 4th grade comprehension and pairs with synonyms and antonyms.
👩🏫 Teacher note
Teach the meaning, not just the spelling: un- = not, re- = again, -ful = full of, -less = without. Knowing affixes lets students unlock unfamiliar words on their own.
🏠 Parent note
Cover the prefix or suffix and read the root word first, then add the part back and talk about how the meaning changes.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Ignoring spelling changes (happy -> happiness)
- Mixing up un- (not) with re- (again)
Answer Key
The built word and its meaning are given for each item.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Learn this skill first
Take the free lesson on vocabulary — worked examples and practice exercises, then come back to this worksheet.
Related Worksheets
Reading Comprehension: The School Garden
Read an original passage about a class garden, then answer questions using evidence from the text.
Commonly Confused Words Worksheet
Some words look or sound alike but mean different things. Circle the correct word for each sentence.
Context Clues Worksheet
When you meet a word you don't know, the words around it can tell you what it means. Write the meaning of each bold word.
Homophones Worksheet
Homophones sound the same but mean different things (to, too, two). Circle the word that fits each sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this worksheet free to download?
Yes. You can download and print this worksheet for free, with no sign-up required.
Does it come with an answer key?
Yes — a complete answer key is included.
Original & reviewed. Every worksheet is created in-house from a grade-level skill brief, checked for a correct answer key, and reviewed for grade-appropriateness. Our editorial policy.