Prefixes and suffixes change the meaning
Long words are often built from parts. A prefix goes in front of a word. A suffix goes on the end. Each part changes what the word means.
Three parts worth knowing: un- means not, re- means again or back, and -less means without.
When a word looks new, look for a part you know. The part narrows the meaning. The sentence around the word settles it.
Three parts at work
un- means not: unfair, unknown, unusual.
re- means again or back: rebuild, return, replace.
-less means without: useless, harmless, endless.
So to rebuild is to build again. Something endless is without end.
Your turn
The word below ends in -less. Use that part, then answer the question.
Try it
Harmless describes something:
- Full of harm
- Without harm
Show the answer
Without harm
The part -less means without, so harmless means without harm.
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Practice Word parts