What it is: Word parts added before/after a root to change meaning or word type.
What it’s for: Guess meanings of new words and grow vocabulary faster.
Example: unhappy = un- (not) + happy
Common prefixes
un- (not): unhappy, unfair
re- (again): redo, rewrite
pre- (before): prepay, preview
dis- (opposite): disagree, dislike
Common suffixes
-tion (noun): information, education
-er (person): teacher, driver
-able (adjective): readable, comfortable
-ly (adverb): quickly, clearly
Practice
When you see a long word, split it: prefix + root + suffix.