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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Tri Prefix Words Quiz: Test Your Vocabulary in Minutes

Quick practice on words that start with tri. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Alice ShynUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style triangle, cyclist, dinosaur cutouts on sky blue background for quiz on words with prefix tri.

This tri prefix words quiz helps you spot and understand common tri- words in context, from triangle to triceratops. After you finish, build skills with a quick prefix and suffix quiz, or try a focused root word quiz to review word parts. Want a challenge on a related number prefix? Check out our quad prefix words quiz next.

Which word describes a polygon with three sides and three angles?
Tricycle
Tripod
Triangle
Trinity
A triangle is a polygon that has exactly three sides and three angles. The prefix tri- means three, and angle refers to the corner between two sides. Together, triangle literally means three-angled. .
Which event consists of swimming, cycling, and running in sequence?
Trident
Triathlon
Trifecta
Tricolor
A triathlon is an endurance event combining three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. The term derives from Greek roots meaning three contests. This multisport race tests a participants versatility across all three activities. .
Which extinct dinosaur's name means three-horned face?
Stegosaurus
Brachiosaurus
Triceratops
Velociraptor
Triceratops is a genus of herbivorous dinosaur whose name comes from Greek for three-horned face. It had two large horns above its eyes and one on its nose. This distinctive skull structure is what gave it its name. .
Which word refers to a group or set of three, especially of musicians?
Trial
Trickle
Tribe
Trio
A trio is a group or set of three people or things, often used in music to describe three performers playing together. The prefix tri- indicates three members. Its commonly used in chamber music, jazz, and vocal ensembles. .
Which term means occurring three times per year?
Biannual
Triennial
Triannual
Quarterly
The word triannual means happening three times a year. Although triennial sounds similar, it actually means occurring every three years. Prefix tri- plus annual (year) clarifies the frequency. .
What is a three-legged stand designed to support cameras or survey equipment?
Tripod
Triarch
Tricolor
Trident
A tripod is a portable three-legged stand commonly used to support cameras, surveying instruments, and other devices. The name comes from Greek roots meaning three feet. It provides stability on uneven surfaces. .
Which term means a group of three related things or people, especially in music theory?
Trinity
Triad
Trilogy
Trio
In music theory, a triad is a set of three notes that can be stacked in thirds, forming a chord. The prefix tri- refers to three, and ad relates to a group or set. This is fundamental to Western harmony. .
What is the term for a three-paneled piece of art, often used as an altarpiece?
Triptych
Trilogy
Trifecta
Tricorne
A triptych is a work of art divided into three sections or panels that are usually hinged together. The word combines Greek roots meaning three and fold. They were commonly used as altarpieces in medieval and Renaissance periods. .
The ancient three-spiral symbol often associated with Celtic culture is called what?
Tripod
Triceratops
Triskelion
Triangle
The triskelion (or triskele) is a motif consisting of three interlocked spirals or bent human legs, used in ancient Celtic and Greek cultures. The prefix tri- indicates three, combined with skelos, meaning leg or spiral. It symbolizes motion and progress. .
Which term refers to the division of something into three mutually exclusive parts?
Trichotomy
Trilogy
Triarchy
Trifurcation
Trichotomy is the division of an entity into three distinct and non-overlapping parts. It comes from Greek roots meaning three cuts. Its commonly used in philosophy, logic, and taxonomy. .
Which branch of mathematics deals primarily with the relationships and properties of triangles?
Trisection
Trilateration
Trigonometry
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is the study of triangles, specifically the relationships between their sides and angles. The name comes from Greek words for triangle and measure. Its fundamental in geometry, physics, and engineering. .
Which geologic period, named for its three distinct rock layers, began approximately 252 million years ago?
Cambrian
Permian
Triassic
Jurassic
The Triassic period is named from Latin meaning threefold, referring to its division into three distinct rock layers. It marks the beginning of the Mesozoic Era and lasted from approximately 252 to 201 million years ago. .
Which political term describes a government ruled by three individuals holding power jointly?
Triquetra
Triarchy
Trireme
Triumvirate
A triumvirate is a political regime ruled or dominated by three powerful individuals, each with equal authority. The term comes from Latin roots meaning three men. Famous examples include the First and Second Triumvirates of ancient Rome. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Words with Prefix Tri -

    Recognize and list examples of words that start with the prefix tri from the quiz, such as triangle, triathlon, and triceratops.

  2. Analyze Greek and Latin Roots -

    Examine the origins of the prefix tri to understand how Greek and Latin influence modern English vocabulary.

  3. Apply Context Clues -

    Use the prefix tri along with sentence context to infer the meanings of unfamiliar tri- words during the quiz.

  4. Classify Prefix Tri Variations -

    Categorize tri- words based on their definitions - such as shapes, events, or objects - to deepen understanding of prefix usage.

  5. Infer Word Meanings -

    Deduce the meanings of new tri- vocabulary by combining your knowledge of the prefix with other word parts.

  6. Enhance Vocabulary Proficiency -

    Strengthen overall language skills by mastering the prefix tri and its applications in diverse contexts.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Greek Origins of tri- -

    Words with the prefix tri trace back to the Ancient Greek treis, meaning "three," and appear in classics from triangle to trinity (source: Oxford English Dictionary). Recognizing this root helps decode vocabulary in geometry, theology and beyond. Keep the motto "tri = three" as your go-to mnemonic when you spot any tri-word!

  2. Word Formation and Combining Forms -

    In English morphology, the prefix: tri attaches smoothly to both consonant and vowel bases (e.g., triathlon, trilingual) to signal threefold composition (source: Cambridge University Press). Notice "tri" stays constant before vowels - compare trisect with triarchy - to maintain clarity. Practice by pairing "tri" with new roots like "tri-cycle" or "tri-lateral" to hear the pattern.

  3. Categories of Tri- Words -

    Common categories of prefix tri words include shapes (triangle, trigon), events (triathlon, tripartite agreements) and creatures (triceratops, trilobite), offering neat memory groups (source: Merriam-Webster Unabridged). Flashcard each category with a small sketch to anchor your recall in visual cues. This strategy blends prefix tri recognition with imagery for rapid vocabulary boost.

  4. Scientific and Technical Uses -

    In scientific contexts, the prefix tri indicates three units, as seen in trioxide (SO3) and trifoliate (three-leafed) plants (source: IUPAC nomenclature and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew). Spotting tri- in formulas and taxa accelerates correct naming - tri (3) + oxide = SO3. Keep "tri equals three atoms" front of mind when balancing equations or classifying species.

  5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls -

    Not every tri-starting term uses the prefix of tri meaning three - words like trial or trim have different roots, so double-check etymology (source: Merriam-Webster and Etymonline). Ambiguous forms like triweekly could mean thrice-weekly or every three weeks; opt for "three times a week" to avoid mix-ups. If you can't picture "three," verify the tri root before committing!

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