Practice Prefixes and Suffixes for Lexical Variation
Published: May 7, 2025Category: IELTS Vocabulary
Prefixes and Suffixes Vocabulary
Prefixes and suffixes are powerful tools for expanding your word choice. By adding common affixes to base words, you can create precise academic terms and improve lexical variation.
Band 7+ Word Groups
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence | Collocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| misinterpret (v) | to understand something incorrectly | Students often misinterpret instructions on the exam. | misinterpret data |
| overestimate (v) | to estimate something too highly | Candidates often overestimate their time management skills. | overestimate value |
| undergo (v) | to experience or be subjected to | The project underwent significant revisions before submission. | undergo changes |
| revitalize (v) | to give new life or vigor to something | The government plans to revitalize the downtown area. | revitalize economy |
| multidisciplinary (adj) | involving multiple academic disciplines | A multidisciplinary approach is essential in modern research. | multidisciplinary team |
| detrimental (adj) | causing harm or damage | Excessive screen time can have a detrimental effect on sleep. | detrimental impact |
| counterproductive (adj) | having the opposite of the desired effect | Strict regulations can sometimes be counterproductive. | counterproductive outcome |
| inevitable (adj) | certain to happen; unavoidable | Technological progress is inevitable in a digital age. | inevitable consequence |
Common Mistakes
- Using 'understand' instead of 'misinterpret' for formal contexts
- Confusing 'revive' with 'revitalize'
- Overusing base adjectives rather than their affixed forms (e.g., 'harmful' vs. 'detrimental')
Practice Question
Choose the best word to complete the sentence:
The committee’s _______ decision-making process drew on experts from various fields.
A) unidisciplinary B) multidisciplinary C) disciplinarian D) polydisciplinary
Show Answer
Answer: B) multidisciplinary
Explanation: 'Multidisciplinary' specifically refers to involving multiple academic disciplines, making it the ideal choice in this context.
Key Takeaways
- Use common prefixes and suffixes to transform base words into Band 7+ terms
- Pay attention to subtle differences between similar affixed forms
- Practice new words with Lingo Copilot