Prefixes List 5

Number word parts

Use number clues from one and two through five, ten, many, and half.

9 targets with matrices3 core roots revisited12 mastery checks

THE GIST

The idea behind these word parts

Number parts make precise distinctions: mono- means one, bi- two, tri- three, and multi- many.

Go deeper · how the parts work in context

Bilingual involves two languages, while trilingual involves three. Monotheism and polytheism share the belief topic but differ in number. Count what the word is describing, not just the objects elsewhere in the sentence.

bi + lingu + al → bilingual

The bilingual notice gives instructions in English and Spanish.

Here bilingual means written in two languages.

Word parts suggest a meaning; the sentence helps confirm it. If the clues are not enough, check a dictionary.

EXPLORE THE WORD PARTS

Meaning, connections, and practice

Choose a word part. Read its gist, explore its map and matrix, then answer its three checks. Open the extra explanation whenever you need it.

How to use a matrix

Leading part + base + ending → word. Choose cells from left to right. Only paths that make one of the listed words are enabled. ∅ means no part is added.

The center can be a root or a whole word. Some cells contain combining forms or grouped endings. Related bases can change spelling, as in scribe/script or mit/miss; follow the spelling notes.

Keep a word for comparison, then select another word to see which parts and meanings changed.

multi-

many

The gist: multitask means do many tasks. The clue multi- connects it to many.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: many. Compare multitask (do many tasks) with multicultural (including many cultures). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

multi + culture + al → multicultural
Involving more than one cultural group. It works as a adjective in this example.

In a sentence: Takaki builds a multicultural account of American history.

Drop the final silent e before the vowel suffix: multiculture + al → multicultural.

Explore multi- · map, matrix & checks

multitaskdo many tasks
multiculturalincluding many cultures

Prefix connections map: multi-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

multi-many

multi + task

Do many tasks.
multi + culture + aladjective

Involving more than one cultural group.

Takaki builds a multicultural account of American history.
Drop the final silent e before the vowel suffix: multiculture + al → multicultural.
multi + formadjective

Having many forms.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with multi- 3 word paths

multi-: many. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

multi + task → multitask

Do many tasks.

Compare two paths

multitask: Do many tasks.
multiform: Having many forms.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
multi + task	multitask	Do many tasks.
multi + culture + al	multicultural	Involving more than one cultural group.
multi + form	multiform	Having many forms.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

uni-

one

The gist: unicycle means a cycle with one wheel. The clue uni- connects it to one.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: one. Compare unicycle (a cycle with one wheel) with unicellular (made of one cell). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

uni + form → uniform
The same in form or standard throughout. It works as a adjective in this example.

In a sentence: A uniform standard of punishment would not give John Punch a lifetime sentence while giving the white runaways extra years.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore uni- · map, matrix & checks

unicyclea cycle with one wheel
unicellularmade of one cell

Prefix connections map: uni-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

uni-one

uni + cycle

A cycle with one wheel.
uni + cellular

Made of one cell.
uni + formadjective

The same in form or standard throughout.

A uniform standard of punishment would not give John Punch a lifetime sentence while giving the white runaways extra years.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with uni- 3 word paths

uni-: one. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

uni + cycle → unicycle

A cycle with one wheel.

Compare two paths

unicycle: A cycle with one wheel.
uniform: The same in form or standard throughout.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
uni + cycle	unicycle	A cycle with one wheel.
uni + cellular	unicellular	Made of one cell.
uni + form	uniform	The same in form or standard throughout.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

poly-

many

The gist: polygon means a shape with many angles. The clue poly- connects it to many.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: many. Compare polygon (a shape with many angles) with polyglot (a person who uses many languages). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

poly + gon → polygon
A shape with many angles.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore poly- · map, matrix & checks

polygona shape with many angles
polyglota person who uses many languages

Prefix connections map: poly-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

poly-many

poly + gon

A shape with many angles.
poly + glot

A person who uses many languages.
poly + the + ismnoun

Belief in many gods.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with poly- 3 word paths

poly-: many. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

poly + gon → polygon

A shape with many angles.

Compare two paths

polygon: A shape with many angles.
polytheism: Belief in many gods.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
poly + gon	polygon	A shape with many angles.
poly + glot	polyglot	A person who uses many languages.
poly + the + ism	polytheism	Belief in many gods.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

mono-

one or single

The gist: monochrome means using one color. The clue mono- connects it to one or single.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: one or single. Compare monochrome (using one color) with monologue (speech by one person). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

mono + chrome → monochrome
Using one color.

Meaning & spelling: The workbook typo “mona” was corrected to mono-.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore mono- · map, matrix & checks

monochromeusing one color
monologuespeech by one person

Prefix connections map: mono-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

mono-one or single

mono + chrome

Using one color.
mono + logue

Speech by one person.
mono + the + ismnoun

Belief in one God.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with mono- 3 word paths

mono-: one or single. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

mono + chrome → monochrome

Using one color.

Compare two paths

monochrome: Using one color.
monotheism: Belief in one God.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
mono + chrome	monochrome	Using one color.
mono + logue	monologue	Speech by one person.
mono + the + ism	monotheism	Belief in one God.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

penta-

five

The gist: pentagon means a shape with five angles. The clue penta- connects it to five.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: five. Compare pentagon (a shape with five angles) with pentathlon (a contest with five events). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

penta + gon → pentagon
A shape with five angles.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore penta- · map, matrix & checks

pentagona shape with five angles
pentathlona contest with five events

Prefix connections map: penta-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

penta-five

penta + gon

A shape with five angles.
penta + thlon

A contest with five events.
penta + meternoun

A line of poetry with five metrical feet.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with penta- 3 word paths

penta-: five. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

penta + gon → pentagon

A shape with five angles.

Compare two paths

pentagon: A shape with five angles.
pentameter: A line of poetry with five metrical feet.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
penta + gon	pentagon	A shape with five angles.
penta + thlon	pentathlon	A contest with five events.
penta + meter	pentameter	A line of poetry with five metrical feet.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

deca-

ten

The gist: decade means a period of ten years. The clue deca- connects it to ten.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: ten. Compare decade (a period of ten years) with decathlon (a contest with ten events). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

deca + gon → decagon
A shape with ten angles. It works as a noun in this example.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore deca- · map, matrix & checks

decadea period of ten years
decathlona contest with ten events

Prefix connections map: deca-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

deca-ten

deca + gonnoun

A shape with ten angles.
deca + meternoun

A length of ten meters.
deca + podnoun

An animal with ten feet or legs.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with deca- 3 word paths

deca-: ten. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

deca + gon → decagon

A shape with ten angles.

noun

Compare two paths

decagon: A shape with ten angles.
decapod: An animal with ten feet or legs.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
deca + gon	decagon	A shape with ten angles.
deca + meter	decameter	A length of ten meters.
deca + pod	decapod	An animal with ten feet or legs.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

bi-

two

The gist: bicycle means a cycle with two wheels. The clue bi- connects it to two.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: two. Compare bicycle (a cycle with two wheels) with bilingual (using two languages). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

bi + cycle → bicycle
A cycle with two wheels.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore bi- · map, matrix & checks

bicyclea cycle with two wheels
bilingualusing two languages

Prefix connections map: bi-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

bi-two

bi + cycle

A cycle with two wheels.
bi + lingual

Using two languages.
bi + later + aladjective

Having two sides or involving two parties.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with bi- 3 word paths

bi-: two. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

bi + cycle → bicycle

A cycle with two wheels.

Compare two paths

bicycle: A cycle with two wheels.
bilateral: Having two sides or involving two parties.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
bi + cycle	bicycle	A cycle with two wheels.
bi + lingual	bilingual	Using two languages.
bi + later + al	bilateral	Having two sides or involving two parties.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

tri-

three

The gist: triangle means a shape with three angles. The clue tri- connects it to three.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: three. Compare triangle (a shape with three angles) with tricycle (a cycle with three wheels). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

tri + angle → triangle
A shape with three angles.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore tri- · map, matrix & checks

trianglea shape with three angles
tricyclea cycle with three wheels

Prefix connections map: tri-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

tri-three

tri + angle

A shape with three angles.
tri + cycle

A cycle with three wheels.
tri + lingu + aladjective

Using three languages.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with tri- 3 word paths

tri-: three. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

tri + angle → triangle

A shape with three angles.

Compare two paths

triangle: A shape with three angles.
trilingual: Using three languages.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
tri + angle	triangle	A shape with three angles.
tri + cycle	tricycle	A cycle with three wheels.
tri + lingu + al	trilingual	Using three languages.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

semi-

half or partly

The gist: semicircle means half of a circle. The clue semi- connects it to half or partly.

Why it works · examples & details

The shared clue is the meaning of the leading part: half or partly. Compare semicircle (half of a circle) with semisolid (partly solid). The complete word’s definition is more specific than the word-part clue.

semi + circle → semicircle
Half of a circle.

The map and matrix show established words. Matching letters alone do not prove a meaningful relationship.

Explore semi- · map, matrix & checks

semicirclehalf of a circle
semisolidpartly solid

Prefix connections map: semi-

Compare this beginning across different bases. These words share a leading part; they do not necessarily share a root. Select a word to load its path in the matrix below.

semi-half or partly

semi + circle

Half of a circle.
semi + solid

Partly solid.
semi + finalnoun

A contest in the round immediately before the final.

Explain the connection: “These words share ___. In ___ it helps mean ___; in ___ it helps mean ___.”

Build with semi- 3 word paths

semi-: half or partly. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

semi + circle → semicircle

Half of a circle.

Compare two paths

semicircle: Half of a circle.
semifinal: A contest in the round immediately before the final.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
semi + circle	semicircle	Half of a circle.
semi + solid	semisolid	Partly solid.
semi + final	semifinal	A contest in the round immediately before the final.

Check your understanding

Use the map and matrix as needed. A wrong answer gives you a clue; try again or open the explanation.

0 of 3 answered correctly

DECODE · FOLLOW THE CLUES

Use the clue without overtrusting it

A word part gives you a strong clue—not always a complete definition.

Spot the part.Underline the exact letters you recognize.
Recall the clue.Say the meaning you learned for that part.
Test the whole word.Combine the clue with the other parts and the sentence.

Decode multicultural

Spot multicultural. The leading word part multi- carries the clue many. Here, it helps you understand: including many cultures.

Decode unicellular

Spot unicellular. The leading word part uni- carries the clue one. Here, it helps you understand: made of one cell.

Decode polyglot

Spot polyglot. The leading word part poly- carries the clue many. Here, it helps you understand: a person who uses many languages.

Open the matching word builder →

MEANING & GRAMMAR

What changes when the word changes?

Compare the meanings, then test which form fits the sentence.

monotheism

belief in one god

polytheism

belief in multiple gods

Explain the difference

The belief topic stays; mono- means one and poly- means many. Number changes the meaning.

A common mistake—and how to avoid it

Semi- often means half or partly. A semifinal is a particular stage of a competition; the literal clue half does not fully define its role.

REVIEW · BRING ROOTS BACK

Keep these roots working

Before opening each matrix, recall the root’s meaning. Build the review words, then explain the whole word. These core roots return in later lessons with new word forms.

Some review words use today’s affixes; others bring back an earlier pattern. Not every affix can attach to every root.

form

Revisit this root lesson

Recall the root’s meaning, then check

shape

Build with form 4 word paths

form: shape. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

uni + form → uniform

The same in form or standard throughout.

adjective

A uniform standard of punishment would not give John Punch a lifetime sentence while giving the white runaways extra years.

Compare two paths

uniform: The same in form or standard throughout.
reformer: A person who works to improve laws or institutions.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
uni + form	uniform	The same in form or standard throughout.
form	form	To create or bring something into existence.
re + form	reform	To change a practice or institution in order to improve it.
re + form + er	reformer	A person who works to improve laws or institutions.

struct

Revisit this root lesson

Recall the root’s meaning, then check

build

Build with struct 4 word paths

struct: build. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

re + con + struct + ion → reconstruction

Rebuilding; also the period of rebuilding and contested rights after the Civil War.

noun

Reconstruction raised the question of whether freedom would include land and economic independence.

Compare two paths

reconstruction: Rebuilding; also the period of rebuilding and contested rights after the Civil War.
constructive: Helping to build, improve, or solve something.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
re + con + struct + ion	reconstruction	Rebuilding; also the period of rebuilding and contested rights after the Civil War.
con + struct	construct	To build or create something.
con + struct + ion	construction	The process of building or creating something.
con + struct + ive	constructive	Helping to build, improve, or solve something.

port

Revisit this root lesson

Recall the root’s meaning, then check

carry

Build with port 4 word paths

port: carry. Choose parts from left to right, or choose a word below. Dimmed choices do not continue a word in this matrix.

Prefix / leading part

Root or whole base

Suffix / ending

im + port → import

To bring goods into a country from another country.

verb

US trade policy made it easier for Mexico to import subsidized American corn.

Compare two paths

import: To bring goods into a country from another country.
export: To send goods to another country for sale.

Say which parts stay and which change. Explain how the meaning or word job changes.

Read every word sum and meaning

Word sum	Word	Meaning
im + port	import	To bring goods into a country from another country.
trans + port	transport	To carry people or goods from one place to another.
trans + port + ation	transportation	The movement of people or goods between places.
ex + port	export	To send goods to another country for sale.

Use it: Write one sentence about history using a review word. Underline its root, circle its affixes, and explain why that word fits your sentence.

CHECK IN CONTEXT

Make sense of a new word

Use both the word parts and the sentence. Open a hint if you need a starting point.

Children, parents, and grandparents all lived in the multigenerational household.

Expand your thinking · explain it or use it

Which word part helped? Which words in the sentence confirmed the meaning? Use a word from this lesson in a sentence about a reading, a historical event, or your own experience.

Check your sentence

Does the word’s established meaning fit your idea?
Does its form fit the grammar of your sentence?
Can you identify a meaningful part and explain its contribution?

These optional notes are not saved, graded, or submitted.

COME BACK · RETRIEVE IT AGAIN

Remember after a break

Return in two days, then about a week later. Before opening the notes, recall a meaning, rebuild two words, and use one in a new sentence.

Start with multi-. What does it mean? Which two words connect to it?

Check after you recall

multi-: many. For example: multitask and multicultural. Explain how each connects to the meaning.

Review dates are saved only on this device and shown on the course hub. No notifications are sent. Written responses are not saved.

Lesson-quiz progress and review dates are saved only on this device, not submitted to your teacher. Word-part and context practice checks reset when you reload the page.

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You checked the parts and applied them.