Prefixes 

In this lesson you will learn how prefixes like "pre-" or "dis-" change the meaning of words. Practice with examples and exercises to improve your skills.

How to use "Prefixes" in English Grammar

What Are Prefixes?

A prefix is a group of letters that is added to the beginning of a word (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.) to change their meaning and use.
There are many prefixes in the English language and most of them are Latin. In this lesson, we are going to discuss old English, Latin, Greek, and old French prefixes.

Old English Prefixes

Old English prefixes are 'un-, up-, down-, under-, mid-, over-, trans-, fore-, mini-, be-, ex-, and con-.' In the following, we can see their meanings and examples:

Un-

meaning

example

Not, absence of a quality

Unstoppable, Unmodified, Unconvinced, Unnamed, Unnoticeable, Unpaired

Contrary to, opposite of

Untidiness, Unbelief, Unrest, Unaptness, Untruth

The reverse of an action

Untie, Uncover, Untangle, Unlock

Up-

meaning

examples

Situated in a higher position

Upstairs, Upland, Upstate, Upriver, Upstage, Upstream, Upstroke

Upward movement, direction

Updraft, Upsurge, Upside, Upward

Lift, raise toward a higher level, position

Upcast, Uplift, Uprise, Upthrow, Upthrust, Uproot, Upraise

Increase in size, scale, etc.

Upscale, Up-tempo, Upbeat, Uproar

To a more recent time

Update

To a better state

Upgrade, Uplift, Upturn

Tip

Some words include 'up' in their construction, which does not have a specific meaning but serves as a prefix. For example, 'upwind, uptime (work time), upswing (an increase in strength), upfront (bold), upload, upkeep (care), upcoming, uplink, upbraid, uptake (take up, make use), upset (overturn).'

Down-

meaning

examples

Situated in a lower position

Downriver, Downland, Downfield, Downhill

Downward movement, motion

Downcast

Reduce to a lower level, position, size, scale

Downgrade, Downfall, Downscale, Downsize, Downturn, Downbeat, Downshift

Tip!

Some words include 'down' in their construction, which does not have a specific meaning but serves as a prefix. For example, 'downhearted, downside, downvote (disapproval), downwind (in the same direction), download.'

Under-

meaning

examples

Beneath, directly under something else

Underground, Underlay, Underline, Underworld, Underclothes, Undergarment, Underwear

Below, lower part, side, position

Underlip, Underarm, Undershrub, Underside

Less than usual, not enough

Undergrowth, Underman, Undernourished, Underpayment, Underprice, Underemployed, Undercharge,

Subordinating, lower rank, position

Undersecretary, Undermanager, Undergraduate

Tip!

Some words include 'under' in their construction, which does not have a specific meaning but serves as a prefix. For example, 'underwriter', 'underhand' (hidden, deceitful), 'undergo' (experience), 'undertake' (accept), and 'undersign'.

Mid-

meaning

examples

Half

Midway, Midcap, Midlife, Midline, Midnight, Midpoint

Over-

meaning

examples

Too much/excessive

Overreact, Overanxious, Overboil, Overdress, Overcharge, Overdue, Oversimplify

Upper, outer

Overcoat, Overleaf, Overclothe, Overshoe, Overskirt

Denoting a location above

Overhead, Overcast, Overhang, Overfly

To a downward direction

Overthrow, Overlook, Overshadow, Oversee

Tip!

There are some words in English that use 'over' in their construction, but have a different meaning. Examples of such words include overtime, overcome, overrule (cancel), overwinter (spend winter), overhear, overview, overland, overlap

Trans-

meaning

examples

Across, beyond a place

Transcultural, Transcontinental, Translunar, Transnational, Transoceanic, Transpolar, Transatlantic

Through

Transdermal, Transfuse

Denoting change into another state

Transform, Transfigure, Transubstantiate, Transgender, Transsexual

To move to another place

Translocate, Transplant, Transship

Too much, beyond

Transfinite, Transfix, Transmundane

Fore-

meaning

examples

Going before, preceding

Forerunner, Forefather, Forebear, Forenoon, Forego, Foreplay

The front part of something

Forehead, Forearm, Forecastle, Foredeck

In front

Foreshorten, Forecourt, Foreground

In advance

Forebode, Forecast, Forefend, Foreknow

Mini-

meaning

examples

Small, short

Miniskirt, Minibar, Minicab, Mini-market, Mini-golf

Be-

meaning

examples

Make, cause

Bewitch, Befriend, Bedazzle, Become

Ex-

meaning

examples

A former state

Ex-wife, Ex-boyfriend, Ex-husband, Ex-member, Ex-Muslim

Con-

meaning

examples

Together

Confederate, Conjoin

2. Latin Prefixes

In the following, you will learn some Latin prefixes that are used in the English language. They are as follows:
de-, dis-, in- (and its variants that are il-, im-, ir-), non-, sub-, inter-, infra-, intra-, pre-, pro-, post-, re-, ultra-, extra-, bi-, tri-, multi-, poly-, super-, counter-, co-, post-, retro-, tele-.'

De-

meaning

example

Removal, reversal

Dehydrate, Defrost, Deforest, Decaffeinate

The meaning of the word is changed to the opposite

Defame, Deconstruct, Demerit, Decamp, Decode, Deform

Dis-

meaning

example

Denoting removal

Disburden, Disarm, Discover, Disbud, Disambiguate

Denoting reversal

Disembark, Discharge, Distrust, Disjoin, Disconnect, Disintegrate, Dismantle

Denoting absence, opposite to

Dissimilar, Dislike, Disappear, Dishonest, Dissatisfied

In-

meaning

example

Latin

Not

Inactive, Incapable, Inexact, Inexpensive, Ingenious, Insane

Without, lacking

Indecision, Indiscretion, Inexperience, Ineffectiveness

Having a causative function

Inflame, Intoxicate, Inaugurate, Inanimate, Inbreathe, Inbreed

English

In, into, towards, within

Inbox, Inflow, Inhale, Inland, Innate, Intake

Tip

If 'in-' means 'into, towards, or within', it has an English origin.

Il-

meaning

examples

Not

Illegal, Illiteracy, Illogical, Illiberal, Illegitimate, Illiberalize, Illegalize, Illegitimate

Im-

meaning

examples

Latin

Not

Impossible, Imperfect, Impassive, Impracticability

Having a causative function

Imperil, Imbricate

English

In, into

Immigrate

Tip!

If 'im-' means 'into', it has an English origin.

Ir-

meaning

examples

Not

Irresponsible, Irrational, Irreclaimable, Irregular, Irreligious, Irreversible

Tip

The prefix 'ir-' is used before words starting with the letter 'r', the prefix 'im-' is used before words starting with 'p' or 'b', the prefix 'il-' stands before words starting with 'l', and the prefix 'in-' is used before other letters.

Non-

meaning

examples

Not

Nonverbal, Nonexistent, Non-nuclear, Nonalcoholic, Nonflavored, Nonglutinous, Noninfectious Nonarbitrary, Nonuniformly, Non\fiction

Without

Nonevent, Nonstop

Denoting absence

Non-attendance, Non-interference, Noncooperation, Nonunion

Not causing or requiring

Nonskid, Nonstick, Nonslip

Sub-

meaning

examples

Lower position or level

Subalpine, Subway, Submerge, Submarine, Subocean

Forming a subordinate part of a whole

Subculture, Subclass, Subdivision, Subsection, Subclause, Subcommittee, Subcontract

Secondary in rank, subordinate

Subdeacon, Subeditor

Of lesser quality, inferior, somewhat, nearly

Subhuman, Substandard, Subaquatic, Subantarctic subacid, Subcontinent, Subtropical

Denoting a later or secondary action of the same kind

Subdivide, Subcontract, Sublease, Sublet, Subsequent

Inter-

meaning

examples

Between, among

Interlink, Intersection, Intercellular, Interconnect, Interdepartment

Mutually, reciprocally

Interdependent, Interactive, Interchangeable, Interrelationship

Re-

meaning

examples

Back to a previous state

Return, Reinstate, Relapse, Recall, Rebound, Refund, Reimbursement

Mutually

React

In opposition

Repel

With negative force

Recant

With intensive repetitive force

Refine, Refoulement, Repress

Infra-

Below

Infrared, Infrastructure, Infraorder, Infrahuman

Intra-

meaning

examples

Within, inside

Intracellular, Intracerebral, Intradepartmental, Intralinguistic, Intramural, Intrastate

Pre-

meaning

example

Before

Preassembled, Precut, Prefix, Preorder, Preregistration

Pro-

meaning

example

Supporting

Pro-choice, Prolabor

Substituting for

Procathedral, Proconsul

A motion forward, out, or away

Proceed, Proclivity

Post-

meaning

examples

After in time/order

Postgraduate, Postdate, Postmodern, Postbiblical, Postdoctoral, Postmodernism

Re-

meaning

examples

Once more, anew

Redo, Reestablishment, Refurbish, Recount, Regelation, Reassure

Semi-

meaning

examples

Half

Semicircle, Semicircular, Semitone

Occurring twice in a period of time

Semiannual, Semiweekly, Semimonthly

Partly, almost

Semiliquid, Semi-conscious, Semi-darkness, Semi-skilled, Semifinal

Ultra-

meaning

examples

Beyond a limit, on the other side of

Ultraviolet, Ultralight, Ultrasonic, Ultramicroscopic

Extreme degree, very

Ultra-ambitious, Ultra-modern

Extra-

meaning

examples

Outside, beyond

Extraterrestrial, Extracellular, Extra-constitutional, Extra-parliamentary

Beyond the scope of

Extracurricular, Extraordinary, Extraordinaire, Extrasensory

Bi-

meaning

examples

Two, having two

Bicultural, Bipolar, Bisexual, Bicolored

On both sides, directions

Bilateral, Biconcave

Occurring twice

Biweekly, Bicentennial

Tri-

meaning

examples

Three, having three

Tricycle, Triangle, Trihydroxy, Trivalent

Occurring every three

Trimonthly, Triannually

Multi-

meaning

examples

Many

Multimedia, Multicolored, Multistory, Multimillion

Poly-

meaning

examples

Many

Polyglot, Polytechnic

Super-

meaning

examples

Extra-large of its kind

Supermarket, Supercontinent, Supergiant, Superhighway

Beyond, over

Supernormal, Superabundant, Supercharge, Supercritical, Superpower

Outstanding

Superstar, Supermodel, Supermodel, Superhero, Superman, Superwoman, Superhuman

Higher in rank, superior to

Superintendent, Supervisor

Placed on, positioned on something

Superimpose, Superinfection, Superpose, Superstructure

Counter-

meaning

examples

Opposition, against

Counterattack, Counter-offensive, Counterpoint, Countercharge, Counteract, Counter-terrorist

Complementary

Counterfoil

Corresponding

Countertrade, Counterpart

Duplicate or substitute

Counterfeit

Co-

meaning

examples

Together, common

Cooperation, Coproduction, Coworker, Copartner, Coeducation

Post-

meaning

examples

After, later, subsequent to

Postdoctoral, Postmodern, Postcolonial, Postwar

Retro-

meaning

examples

Before, backwards

Retroactive, Retrorocket, Retroscape

Tele-

meaning

examples

Distant, transmission over distances

Television, Telework, Telegram, Teleguide, Telemonitor

3. Greek Prefixes

Greek prefixes that are used in the English language are as follows: 'Anti, dys-, micro-, hemi-, proto-, mono-, meta-, hyper-, and auto-.'

Anti-

ThumbnailPhoto

meaning

example

Against, opposed to

Antifeminism, Anticlerical, Anticlockwise, Antiracist, Anti-government

Inhibiting, counteracting

Antifreeze, Antibacterial, Antihistamine, Anti-aircraft

Dys-

meaning

examples

Bad, difficult (medical)

Dysfunction, Dysrhythmic, Dystrophic, Dyslogistic

Micro-

meaning

examples

Small-scale

Micrometer, Microcar, Microscope, Microphone, Microorganism

Hemi-

meaning

examples

Half

Hemisphere, Hemicycle, Hemimorphic, Hemilingual

Proto-

meaning

examples

Original, primitive

Prototype, Protostar

First, earliest

Protomartyr

Mono-

meaning

examples

One, alone, single

Monolingual, Monocarboxylic

Meta-

meaning

examples

Beyond

Metaphysic, Metafiction, Metathesis, Metasomatism

Denoting change

Metamorphosis

Situated behind or after

Metaphase, Metapneumonic

Hyper-

meaning

examples

Above normal

Hyperactive, Hyper-critical, Hypercorrection, Hyperextended, Hypersonic

Auto-

meaning

examples

One's own, by oneself

Autobiography, Autograph

By itself, self-sufficient

Automobile, Autotoxidation, Auto-analysis, Autofocusing

4. Old French Prefixes

In the following, you can see French prefixes that are used in the English language. They are 'mis-, mal-, en-, and sur-'.

Mis-

meaning

examples

Wrong, badly

Misplace, Misrepresentation, Misdo, Mistrial, Misprint, Misadventure

Not, denoting lack

Misfire, Mistrust,

Mal-

meaning

examples

Wrong, faulty

Malfunction, Malformed

Improper manner

Maltreat, Malpractice

Inadequate

Malnourishment, Malnutrition

Not, denoting lack

Maladroit

En-

meaning

examples

Make, cause to be

Enable, Endanger, Enthrall, Ensure, Enarm

Put into, on

Engulf, Entomb, Enthrone

Conversion into the specified state

Encrust, Ennoble, Enliven

To go into, on

Enplane

To cover with, surround

Enmesh, Enrobe

As an intensifier

Encourage, Entangle, Endure

Sur-

meaning

examples

Over, beyond

Surrealism, Surcharge

Upon, over

Surface, Surcoat, Surname

Notes about Prefixes

Here are some tips to remember when using prefixes:

When a prefix is added to a word, the spelling of the root of word never changes.

Example

happy → unhappy, legal → illegal

If the last letter of the prefix is the same as the first letter of the root, double letters are possible and there is no need to remove a letter.

Example

mobilize → immobilize, natural → unnatural

Pay attention to words that look like they have a prefix but, in fact, do not.

Example

uncle, reach, relative

When a prefix is added to a proper noun, a hyphen is needed.

Example

Mid-Atlantic, Post-Elizabethan

Comments

(1)
Loading Recaptcha...
David Joshua Lee Pineda
Jan 2024
Love this post as it's very informative. I do have a question, or a set of mini questions, which are: MAIN QUESTION : Is it possible to mix prefixes (or just affixes in general) with different-origin root words/stems? Sub-Question 1 : Is it okay to use Latin affixes on non-Latin roots/stems? Sub-Question 2 : Are there other rules or limitations that are not commonly known when it comes to the attaching of Affixes onto roots/stems? Sub-Question 3 : Does English only have Prefixes and Suffixes or are there more types/kinds that exist? I don't know where to get information for these, so here's to trying you would know. :)
Reply
Loading Recaptcha...

Recommended

Loan Words and Calque

bookmark
Sometimes we adopt a word from a language and translate it more or less literally. And Sometimes, we borrow words directly from another language. Let's learn!

Compounding and Blending

bookmark
The act of making a new word using an old one is called derivation in English. And Compounding is creating words by combining two or more words. Let's learn!

Affixes

bookmark
Affixes are like codes in a code language. With their help, you can decode the words in a language. Let's take a closer look at these codes!

Suffixes

bookmark
Suffixes are particles with separate meanings placed at the end of a root or a stem. Adding them to our words defines the final meaning of the whole term.

Abbreviations

bookmark
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases. They normally represent a whole sentence or phrase. Ready to learn them?

Coinage and Eponyms

bookmark
Have you ever wondered where the word 'teddy bear' came from? In this lesson, we are going to talk about coinage and eponyms. Let's learn!
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app