5th grade spelling words
5 free lists and 177 words, grouped by spelling pattern. Hear every word, print a practice sheet, or take a test online.
Prefixes in-, im-, ir-, il-, inter-, sub-
in- changes to im-, ir- or il- to match the next letter
incorrect, impossible, irregular, international…
34 words
Greek parts
Word parts carry meaning: tele = far, graph = write
telephone, photograph, microscope, autograph…
28 words
Latin roots
port = carry, rupt = break, spect = look
transport, inspect, construct, predict…
37 words
Related words that change sound
Related words keep their spelling even when the sound changes
sign, signal, natural, define…
39 words
Long academic words
Break it into parts and check each
adventure, ancient, journey, discover…
39 words
What spelling words should a 5th grade student know?
Fifth grade spelling leans on meaning: Greek parts and Latin roots, prefixes that change to fit the next letter, and long academic words broken into parts.
These lists follow the order US structured-literacy programs teach spelling, so each one builds on the last. Schools differ, so use your child's own class list first if they bring one home.
Practicing at home
- Practice one pattern at a time, so the rule stays in view.
- Say the word, have your child spell it from memory, then check it together.
- Keep it short and often. A few words a day is easier to keep up than one long session.
- Come back to the words they missed a few days later.
