WORD FORMATION: VERBS

By: Mamik Slamet Asrori, S.Pd.

VERBS
Verbs have traditionally been defined as words that show action or state of being. Often, prefixes and suffixes (affixes) will signify that a word is a verb.
Prefix EnRoot Courage Suffix Verb Encourage

Simple

-fy

Simplify

Adding Prefix
A verb can be formed from noun, adjective or verb itself. The most common prefixes used to form new verbs in academic English are: re-, en-, dis-, over-, un-, mis-, out-. Example: Enlarge Discover Unfold Revisit

Adding Suffix
The most common suffixes which can form a verb from another word are: -ize, -en, -ate, (i)fy. Example: Organize Brighten Fabricate Simplify

Example
Prefix + Verb
Prefix
redisoverunmisoutbeco-

Meaning
again or back

Examples
restructure, revisit, reappear, rebuild, refinance

reverses the meaning disappear, disallow, disarm, disconnect, of the verb discontinue too much overbook, oversleep, overwork reverses the meaning unbend, uncouple, unfasten of the verb badly or wrongly more or better than others make or cause together mislead, misinform, misidentify outperform, outbid befriend, belittle co-exist, co-operate, co-own

Example
Prefix + Verb
Prefix codeforeinterpreMeaning together earlier, before between before do the opposite of devalue, deselect foreclose, foresee interact, intermix, interface pre-expose, prejudge, pretest Examples co-exist, co-operate, co-own

subtransunder-

under/below
across, over not enough

subcontract, subdivide
transform, transcribe, transplant underfund, undersell, undervalue, underdeveloped

Example
Suffix
Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning "cause to be".
Suffix -ize -ate -fy -en Examples stabilize, characterize, symbolize, visualize, specialize differentiate, liquidate, pollinate, duplicate, fabricate classify, exemplify, simplify, justify awaken, fasten, shorten, moisten

Exercise
1. 2. 3. I'm studying medicine. I want to ___________ in genetics. (SPECIAL) This photograph is too small. Can you _________ it for me? (LARGE) He loves insects. He can _________ over 50 different types of beetle.(IDENTITY) 4. There are a lot of accidents on this road. The council should _________ it. (WIDTH) 5. The time we spent apart only _________ my love for him. (STRONG) 6. His speech was too long. He should have _____________ it. (SHORT) 7. He always thinks he's right. He never _________ for his mistakes. (APOLOGY) 8. I think the government should _________ alcohol. (CRIMINAL) 9. Thank you for the flowers you sent last month. They really _________ up my room. (BRIGHT) 10. The film "The Ring ___________ me. I couldn't sleep for days. (TERROR)