How the Prefix 'A-' Works: Understanding 'Ashore', 'Afire', and More!
Prefix: “a-“
What is a prefix?
A prefix is a part of a word that comes before the root word and changes its meaning.
The hyphen (-) after a prefix means that a root word comes after it.
The prefix “a-” means on.
a + fire = afire
“afire” means on fire.
A burning stick will set the leaves afire.
a + shore = ashore
“ashore” means on shore.
Waves carried the lost fishing net ashore.
a + side = aside
“aside” means on the side.
Set aside your fork until you are ready to use it.
Remember: the prefix “a-“ means on.
Can you use what you know about the prefix “a-“ to find the meaning of these words?
afoot
afloat
aground