Understanding Words with the Prefix ‘re-‘ 📚

The prefix ‘re-‘ is very common in English and it usually means “again” or “back.” When we add ‘re-‘ to the beginning of a word, it changes the meaning of the base word to show that something is happening again or is being done again.

What Does the Prefix ‘re-‘ Mean? 🤔

The prefix ‘re-‘ helps us understand that an action is repeated. For example, if the base word is “write,” adding the prefix makes the word “rewrite,” which means to write again.

Examples of Words with ‘re-‘ ✍️

  • Rewind — to wind again or go back (like when you rewind a video)
  • Replay — to play again (like replaying a game)
  • Return — to come back
  • Recycle — to use again or change something so it can be used again
  • Reread — to read again

How ‘re-‘ Changes the Meaning of Words 🔄

Adding ‘re-‘ changes the original meaning by showing repetition or going back to what happened before. For example:

  • Do means to perform an action.
  • Redo means to do it again.
  • Build means to make something.
  • Rebuild means to build it again.

When you see a word that starts with ‘re-‘, think about whether the word is talking about doing something again or returning.

Study Tip 💡

When you find words starting with ‘re-‘ while reading, try to break them into parts: the ‘re-‘ prefix and the base word. This can help you guess the meaning even if you don’t know the word yet!

Understanding words with re- is useful because it helps you increase your vocabulary and understand instructions that involve repeating actions. Keep practising by spotting more ‘re-‘ words in your reading!

20 Examination-style Questions on Words with re- (with Answers) 📝

Question 1

Choose the correct meaning of the word “rebuild”.
A) To build again
B) To destroy completely
C) To build slowly
D) To move to a new place

Answer: A) To build again
Explanation: “Rebuild” means to build something again after it has been damaged or destroyed.

Question 2

Which word means “to say something again”?
A) Remember
B) Repeat
C) Repair
D) Return

Answer: B) Repeat
Explanation: “Repeat” means to say or do something again.

Question 3

Fill in the blank with the correct ‘re-‘ word: “I had to ______ my homework because I made mistakes.”

Answer: redo
Explanation: “Redo” means to do something again.

Question 4

Which sentence uses the word “recover” correctly?
A) I will recover my lost pen.
B) She will recover from the illness soon.
C) He recovered the book on the table.
D) We recover in playing the game.

Answer: B) She will recover from the illness soon.
Explanation: “Recover” means to get better or get well after being ill.

Question 5

Write a word with the prefix “re-” that means to look at something again.

Answer: reread
Explanation: “Reread” means to read something again.

Question 6

What does the word “return” mean?
A) To come back
B) To leave forever
C) To forget
D) To begin

Answer: A) To come back
Explanation: “Return” means to go back to a place.

Question 7

Choose the correct ‘re-‘ word to complete the sentence: “Please ______ the letter if you find any mistakes.”
A) rewrite
B) recover
C) remember
D) receive

Answer: A) rewrite
Explanation: “Rewrite” means to write something again, usually to improve it.

Question 8

Match the word to its meaning:
– Repair
– Remember
– Recharge

a) Fix something
b) Think of again
c) Fill with energy

Answer:
– Repair = a) Fix something
– Remember = b) Think of again
– Recharge = c) Fill with energy

Question 9

True or False: “Recycle” means to throw something away in the bin.

Answer: False
Explanation: “Recycle” means to process used materials so they can be used again.

Question 10

Complete the sentence: “After the game, I need to ______ my phone because the battery is low.”

Answer: recharge
Explanation: “Recharge” means to fill a battery with energy again.

Question 11

Which ‘re-‘ word means “to give something back”?
A) Remove
B) Return
C) Remember
D) Replace

Answer: B) Return
Explanation: “Return” means to give or go back.

Question 12

Find the prefix in the word “reappear” and explain its meaning.

Answer: The prefix is “re-“.
Explanation: It means “again,” so “reappear” means to appear again.

Question 13

Choose the correct sentence:
A) I will reread the book to understand better.
B) I will read reread the book.
C) I will read again reread the book.
D) I will reread read the book.

Answer: A) I will reread the book to understand better.
Explanation: “Reread” is the correct form meaning to read again.

Question 14

Write a sentence using the word “recycle”.

Answer: (Example) I always recycle my plastic bottles to help the environment.
Explanation: “Recycle” means to use items again by processing them.

Question 15

Which word means “to put something back in its place”?
A) Repair
B) Replace
C) Return
D) Retell

Answer: B) Replace
Explanation: “Replace” means to put something back or put something new instead.

Question 16

True or False: “Rewrite” means to say something loudly.

Answer: False
Explanation: “Rewrite” means to write something again.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: “If you don’t understand the instructions, you should _______ them.”

Answer: reread
Explanation: “Reread” means to read again for better understanding.

Question 18

What is the base word in “rebuild” and what does the prefix add?

Answer: Base word is “build”. The prefix “re-” adds the meaning “again”.
Explanation: “Rebuild” means to build again.

Question 19

Which ‘re-‘ word means “to tell a story again”?
A) Return
B) Retell
C) Repair
D) Recall

Answer: B) Retell
Explanation: “Retell” means to tell a story or event again.

Question 20

Choose the correct meaning of the word “reload”.
A) To load again
B) To unload
C) To break
D) To move

Answer: A) To load again
Explanation: “Reload” means to put something back into a container or device again.

These questions and answers use words with the prefix “re-“ to help Year 6 students understand how this prefix changes the meaning of words, practising vocabulary and comprehension skills in line with the UK National Curriculum for Key Stage 2 English.