Prefixes are a vital part of English grammar. They are a set of letters added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. By using prefixes, you can create new words, alter their meanings, and enhance your vocabulary. Here, we’ll explore some common prefixes, their meanings, and examples.
1. Prefix: un-
Meaning: Not, opposite of
Examples:
- Unhappy (not happy)
- Unusual (not usual)
- Unnecessary (not necessary)
Usage: The prefix “un-” negates the meaning of the root word. For instance, when you add “un-” to “happy,” it changes the meaning to “not happy.”
2. Prefix: re-
Meaning: Again
Examples:
- Rewrite (write again)
- Rebuild (build again)
- Replay (play again)
Usage: The prefix “re-” signifies repetition or doing something again. When you add “re-” to “write,” it means “to write again.”
3. Prefix: pre-
Meaning: Before
Examples:
- Predict (say before)
- Prepay (pay before)
- Preview (view before)
Usage: The prefix “pre-” indicates that something happens before a specific event. For example, “predict” means “to say something before it happens.”
4. Prefix: dis-
Meaning: Not, opposite of
Examples:
- Disagree (not agree)
- Disappear (not appear)
- Disqualify (not qualify)
Usage: The prefix “dis-” negates the meaning of the root word, similar to “un-.” For instance, “disagree” means “to not agree.”
5. Prefix: mis-
Meaning: Wrongly, badly
Examples:
- Misunderstand (understand wrongly)
- Mislead (lead wrongly)
- Misplace (place wrongly)
Usage: The prefix “mis-” suggests a mistake or incorrect action. For example, “misunderstand” means “to understand wrongly.”
6. Prefix: in-/im-/il-/ir-
Meaning: Not
Examples:
- Inaccurate (not accurate)
- Impossible (not possible)
- Illegible (not legible)
- Irregular (not regular)
Usage: These prefixes negate the meaning of the root word. “In-” is used before words beginning with certain consonants, “im-” before words starting with “m” or “p,” “il-” before “l” words, and “ir-” before “r” words. For instance, “impossible” means “not possible.”
7. Prefix: non-
Meaning: Not
Examples:
- Nonfiction (not fiction)
- Nonexistent (not existent)
- Nonstop (without stopping)
Usage: The prefix “non-” signifies the absence of something. For example, “nonfiction” refers to a genre that is not fictional.
8. Prefix: over-
Meaning: Too much
Examples:
- Overeat (eat too much)
- Overwork (work too much)
- Overestimate (estimate too much)
Usage: The prefix “over-” indicates an excess of something. For instance, “overeat” means “to eat too much.”
9. Prefix: under-
Meaning: Too little, beneath
Examples:
- Underpaid (paid too little)
- Undervalue (value too little)
- Underground (beneath the ground)
Usage: The prefix “under-” suggests insufficiency or being beneath something. For example, “underpaid” means “paid too little.”
10. Prefix: sub-
Meaning: Under, below
Examples:
- Submarine (underwater vessel)
- Substandard (below standard)
- Subway (underground train)
Usage: The prefix “sub-” implies being beneath or below something. For instance, “submarine” refers to an underwater vessel.
11. Prefix: inter-
Meaning: Between, among
Examples:
- International (between nations)
- Interact (act between or among)
- Interfere (come between)
Usage: The prefix “inter-” denotes being between or among things. For example, “international” means “between nations.”
12. Prefix: co-
Meaning: With, together
Examples:
- Cooperate (work together)
- Coauthor (write together)
- Coexist (exist together)
Usage: The prefix “co-” indicates cooperation or doing something together. For instance, “cooperate” means “to work together.”
13. Prefix: trans-
Meaning: Across, beyond
Examples:
- Transcontinental (across continents)
- Transport (carry across)
- Transfer (move across)
Usage: The prefix “trans-” signifies movement across or beyond something. For example, “transcontinental” means “across continents.”
14. Prefix: semi-
Meaning: Half, partly
Examples:
- Semicircle (half a circle)
- Semiconscious (partly conscious)
- Semiannual (twice a year)
Usage: The prefix “semi-” indicates partial or halfway. For instance, “semicircle” means “half a circle.”
15. Prefix: auto-
Meaning: Self
Examples:
- Automatic (self-operating)
- Autobiography (self-written life story)
- Autopilot (self-piloted)
Usage: The prefix “auto-” suggests self-action. For example, “automatic” means “self-operating.”
By understanding and utilizing these prefixes, you can expand your vocabulary and better comprehend the meanings of unfamiliar words. Prefixes play a crucial role in shaping the English language, and mastering them will enhance your language skills.
