Decoding Vocabulary: Deconstructing Words Into Prefix + Root + Suffix Quiz

1. Break down the word unreliable. What is the meaning of the prefix un-?

In favor of

Before

Not

Together

The prefix un- means 'not' or 'the opposite of.'

Explanation

The prefix un- means 'not' or 'the opposite of.'

2. Question: The root word in unforgettable is _______, meaning 'to call back to mind.'

The root forget is the core meaning: to fail to recall.

Explanation

The root forget is the core meaning: to fail to recall.

Submit

3. In the word disrespectful, the suffix -ful means 'without.'

True

False

This is false. The suffix -ful means 'full of' or 'characterized by.'

Explanation

This is false. The suffix -ful means 'full of' or 'characterized by.'

4. Break down the word predetermine. What is the meaning of the prefix pre-?

Against

Before

Again

After

The prefix pre- means 'before' or 'earlier than.'

Explanation

The prefix pre- means 'before' or 'earlier than.'

5. The word portable is formed by the root port (to carry) and the suffix -able. What is the full meaning of portable?

Not able to carry

Capable of being carried

To carry once more

To carry before

The suffix -able means 'capable of' or 'able to be,' so the word means capable of being carried.

Explanation

The suffix -able means 'capable of' or 'able to be,' so the word means capable of being carried.

6. The word illegible contains the prefix il-, which means 'not' or 'the opposite of.'

True

False

This is true. The prefix il- (a variant of in-) means 'not.'

Explanation

This is true. The prefix il- (a variant of in-) means 'not.'

7. Break down the word subterranean. What is the meaning of the prefix sub-?

Under or below

Above

Over

Against

The prefix sub- means 'under' or 'below.'

Explanation

The prefix sub- means 'under' or 'below.'

8. What is the meaning of the suffix -tion in the word communication? (Select all that apply)

Characterized by

Result of

State or quality of

Before

The suffix -tion turns a verb into a noun, meaning the state, quality, or result of the action.

Explanation

The suffix -tion turns a verb into a noun, meaning the state, quality, or result of the action.

Submit

10. Break down the word autobiography. What is the meaning of the prefix auto-?

With

Against

Self

Before

The prefix auto- means 'self' or 'same.'

Explanation

The prefix auto- means 'self' or 'same.'

11. In the word incredible, the prefix in- means 'into.'

True

False

This is false. In this context, the prefix in- means 'not.'

Explanation

This is false. In this context, the prefix in- means 'not.'

12. The word audible is formed by the root aud (to hear) and the suffix -ible. What is the full meaning of audible?

Unable to hear

Capable of being heard

To hear before

To listen again

The suffix -ible means 'capable of being,' so the word means capable of being heard.

Explanation

The suffix -ible means 'capable of being,' so the word means capable of being heard.

13. Break down the word circumvent. What is the meaning of the prefix circum-?

Inside

Through

Around

Against

The prefix circum- means 'around.'

Explanation

The prefix circum- means 'around.'

14. In the word misunderstand, the prefix mis- means 'well' or 'good.'

True

False

This is false. The prefix mis- means 'wrongly' or 'badly.'

Explanation

This is false. The prefix mis- means 'wrongly' or 'badly.'

15. The word revision is formed by the prefix re- (again), the root vis (to see), and the suffix -ion (act of). What is the full meaning of revision?

The act of seeing for the first time

The act of seeing again to correct

The state of being unable to see

To see before it happens

The combination of 'again' + 'to see' + 'act of' means the act of seeing again (to correct or improve).

Explanation

The combination of 'again' + 'to see' + 'act of' means the act of seeing again (to correct or improve).

16. Question: The word microscope is made of the prefix micro- (meaning very small) and the root scope, meaning to _______.

The root scope comes from the Greek skopos meaning 'to see' or 'to look at.'

Explanation

The root scope comes from the Greek skopos meaning 'to see' or 'to look at.'

Submit

17. Which word parts mean 'not' or 'the opposite of'? (Select all that apply)

Non-

Ex-

Anti-

Dis-

Both non- and dis- are common prefixes meaning 'not' or 'opposite of.'

Explanation

Both non- and dis- are common prefixes meaning 'not' or 'opposite of.'

Submit

19. What is the meaning of the root bene in the word beneficial? (Select all that apply)

Bad

Good

Well

Against

The Latin root bene means 'good' or 'well.'

Explanation

The Latin root bene means 'good' or 'well.'

Submit

20. What is the meaning of the root struct in the word destruction? (Select all that apply)

To break

To build

To hold

To pull

The Latin root struct means 'to build' or 'to put together.'

Explanation

The Latin root struct means 'to build' or 'to put together.'

Decoding Vocabulary: Deconstructing Words into Prefix + Root + Suffix Quiz