Fascinating Fact:
Beware of mixing bi- and bye-. Biceps and biscuit begin with bi-, while bye-bye uses bye. Think bi- for “two” or “double”, bye for “goodbye”.
In KS3 English Spelling, you meet many words that begin with bi-, such as bicycle, bilingual and bimonthly. The prefix often links to the idea of “two”, but not always, so learning meanings, patterns and example sentences together will strengthen both your spelling and your vocabulary.
Key Terms
- Prefix: A set of letters added to the start of a word, like bi-, which can change or add to the meaning.
- Root word: The main part of a word that carries the basic meaning, such as cycle in bicycle or lingual in bilingual.
- Homophone: A word that sounds the same as another word but has a different spelling and meaning, like bye, buy and by.
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)
What does the prefix bi- usually mean in English words?
The prefix bi- often means “two” or “double”. For example, a bicycle has two wheels and a bilingual person uses two languages regularly in speech or writing.
How can I practise spelling KS3 words beginning bi-?
Make a short list of bi- words, say each one aloud, then write them in full sentences. Check spellings carefully and repeat until you can write them from memory.
What is the difference between bi-, by and bye in spelling?
Bi- is a prefix that joins to another word part, as in bicycle or bilingual. By is a common preposition, while bye is used in phrases like “say bye to your friends”.
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