There are a lot of words in English with prefixes of Latin, Greek, and Old English origin. In the course of time, prefixes in many words have lost their meanings, while many other prefixes still have more or less clear meanings.
A list of prefixes, with meanings and examples, is provided below. The list also includes some prepositions, postpositions (adverbial particles), and combining forms (e.g., auto, multi, pseudo, etc.) used as prefixes (i.e., at the beginning of the word) in the formation of a large number of compound words.
Russian translation of the words in the list is provided for the purpose of comparing the differences and similarities in the use of English and Russian prefixes. (Only one meaning is given in translation.)
The words in the list below are written according to American spelling norms. Some of these words may have two variants of spelling, with or without a hyphen after the prefix. (See Hyphen with Prefixes in the section Writing.)
Other related materials in the section Writing: Difficult Prefixes; Latin and Greek Number Prefixes; Double Consonants.
Английские префиксы, со значениями и примерами
В английском языке очень много слов с префиксами латинского, греческого и древнеанглийского происхождения. С течением времени префиксы во многих словах утеряли свои значения, в то время как многие другие префиксы по-прежнему имеют более или менее ясные значения.
Список префиксов, со значениями и примерами, дан ниже. Список также включает некоторые предлоги, послелоги (наречные частицы) и присоединяемые формы (например, auto, multi, pseudo и др.), используемые как префиксы (т.е. в начале слова) в образовании большого количества сложных слов.
Русский перевод слов в списке дан с целью сравнить различия и сходства в употреблении английских префиксов и русских приставок. (Только одно значение дано в переводе.)
Слова в списке ниже написаны согласно американским нормам правописания. Некоторые из этих слов могут иметь два варианта написания, с дефисом или без дефиса после префикса. (См. Hyphen with Prefixes в разделе Writing.)
Другие материалы по теме в разделе Writing: Difficult Prefixes; Latin and Greek Number Prefixes; Double Consonants.
Prefixes and their variants | Meanings | Examples | Translation of examples |
a | 1.on, in, of, to, toward; 2.beginning or end of action | 1. aboard; aback; afoot; again; akin; alive; anew; around; ashore; aside; 2. arise; arouse; awake | 1. на борту; назад; пешком; опять; похожий; живой; заново; вокруг; на берег; в сторону; 2. возникнуть; возбуждать; проснуться |
ab, abs, a | away from | abolition; abnormal; absent; absolute; abstract; abuse; aversion; avoid | отмена; аномальный; отсутствующий; абсолютный; абстрактный; злоупотребление; отвращение; избегать |
ad, a, af, ag, al, an, ap, as, at | at, near, to, toward | adequate; advance; advise; addiction; adjective; amass; affect; afford; aggression; allegedly; announce; appoint; appreciate; approach; approve; assemble; assert; attention | адекватный; продвигать; советовать; пристрастие; прилагательное; накапливать; действовать на; позволить себе; агрессия; якобы; объявлять; назначать; ценить; приближаться; одобрять; собирать; утверждать; внимание |
ambi | both | ambidextrous; ambiguity; ambiguous; ambition; ambivalent | владеющий обеими руками; неясность, двусмысленность; двусмысленный; честолюбие; имеющий два противоположных желания, мнения |
an, a | not, without | anaerobic; anarchy; anecdote; anemia; achromatic; agnostic; atheist | анаэробный; анархия; анекдот; анемия; бесцветный; агностик; атеист |
ante | before | antecedent; antechamber, anteroom; antediluvian; anterior | предшествующий; передняя, прихожая; допотопный, древний; передний, предшествующий |
anti, ant | against, opposite | antibiotic; antiseptic; antiaircraft; anti-American; anticommunist; anti-imperialistic; antacid; Antarctic; antagonize | антибиотик; антисептик; противовоздушный; антиамериканский; антикоммунистический; антиимпериалистический; нейтрализатор кислотности; Антарктика; вызывать вражду |
auto | self | autobiography; autograph; automatic; automobile; autonomy | автобиография; автограф; автоматический; автомобиль; автономия |
be | 1.archaic verb formation; 2.around, at, by, on, over | 1. become; befall; befit; befoul; befriend; behave; believe; belittle; belong; bemuse; besiege; bewitch; 2. below; beneath; beside; between; befogged; belated | 1. становиться; происходить; подходить; осквернять; относиться дружески; вести себя; верить; преуменьшать; принадлежать; изумлять; осаждать; околдовать; 2. внизу; ниже; рядом; между; затуманенный; запоздалый |
bio, bi | life | biography; biology; biopsy | биография; биология; биопсия |
by | near | bygone; bypass; by-product; bystander; byway; byword | прошлый; обходить; побочный продукт; свидетель; боковая, тихая дорога; поговорка |
circum | around, round | circumference; circumlocution; circumspection; circumstance | окружность; многословие; осмотрительность; обстоятельство |
com, con, col, cor, co | together, with, very | commerce; communicate; compass; computer; conference; confirm; consist; convenient; collect; collapse; correct; corruption; coeducation; coexist; cooperate; coordinate; coworker | торговля; общаться; компас; компьютер; конференция; подтверждать; состоять; удобный; собирать; крах; правильный; коррупция; совместное обучение; сосуществовать; сотрудничать; координировать; сотрудник |
contra, contro, counter | against, in opposition | contraband; contradict; controversy; counteract; counterattack; counterforce; counterproductive | контрабанда; противоречить; разногласие; противодействовать; контратака; сила противодействия; приводящий к обратному результату |
de | away, from, down, of, out of; reverse action | debate; deceive; decide; default; defend; degrade; delay; denounce; depend; describe; design; despair; destroy; determine; devise; devote | дискутировать; обмануть; решить; невыполнение; защищать; понижать; задерживать; обличать; зависеть; описывать; дизайн; отчаяние; разрушать; определить; разрабатывать; посвящать |
demi | half | demigod; demitasse; demiurge | полубог; кофейная чашечка; демиург |
dia, di | across, through, between, thoroughly | diabetes; diagnosis; diagonal; dialect; dialogue; diameter; diorama | диабет; диагноз; диагональ; диалект; диалог; диаметр; диорама |
dis, di | 1.reverse action; not; 2.apart, away, completely | 1. disagree; disconnect; discover; dislike; disbelief; disgrace; dismiss; disrespect; dishonest; 2. digest; dimensions; direct; display; distant; distribute; disturb; divide; divorce | 1. не соглашаться; разъединить; обнаружить; не любить; неверие; позор; отпустить; неуважение; нечестный; 2. переварить; размеры; направить; показывать; отдаленный; распределять; тревожить; разделить; расторгнуть брак |
down | down, downward | downgrade; downhill; download; downpour; downright | понижать; вниз, под гору; загружать, скачивать; ливень; отвесный, прямой |
dys | bad, ill | dysentery; dysfunction; dyslexia; dyspepsia; dystrophy | дизентерия; дисфункция; дислексия; диспепсия; дистрофия |
en, em | in, into | enable; enact; encourage; enforce; enlighten; ensure; enthusiasm; entrap; environment; embarrass; embroidery | дать возможность; вводить в действие; ободрять; обеспечить исполнение; просвещать; обеспечить; энтузиазм; поймать в ловушку; окружающая среда; смущать; вышивка |
equi | equal | equilateral; equilibrium; equinox; equivalent | равносторонний; равновесие; равноденствие; равноценный |
ex, ec, ef, e | out of, from, completely | exchange; exclude; exist; expand; expensive; explain; export; express; extension; exterior; external; extract; eccentric; effect; efficient; emerge; emit | обмен; исключать; существовать; расширять; дорогостоящий; объяснять; экспорт; выражать; удлинение; внешняя часть; внешний; извлекать; эксцентричный; эффект; действенный; возникать; излучать |
ex | former | ex-husband; ex-wife; ex-president; ex-mayor; ex-member; ex-champion | бывший муж; бывшая жена; бывший президент; бывший мэр; бывший член; экс-чемпион |
extra, extro | outside, beyond | extracurricular; extraordinary; extravagant; extrovert | внеклассный, вне программы; исключительный; экстравагантный; экстраверт |
for | away, wrongly, extremely | forbear; forbid; forfeit; forget; forgive; forgo; forlorn; forsake; forswear | воздерживаться от; запрещать; штраф; забыть; простить; воздерживаться от; покинутый; покидать; отрекаться |
fore | before, in front, front part | forearm; foreboding; forecast; forefathers; forefront; forego; forehead; foreknowledge; foreman; foremost; forerunner; foresee; foresight; forethought; foreword | предплечье; плохое предчувствие; прогноз; предки; передний край; предшествовать; лоб; предвидение; бригадир; передний; предвестник; предвидеть; дальновидность; предусмотрительность; предисловие |
forth | forward | forthcoming; forthright | грядущий; прямой |
hemi | half | hemicrania; hemicycle; hemisphere | гемикрания, мигрень; полукруг; полушарие |
hyper | over, above | hyperactive; hyperbole; hyperinflation; hypermarket; hypersensitive; hypertension | гиперактивный; гипербола; гиперинфляция; гипермаркет; сверхчувствительный; гипертония |
hypo | below, under | hypochondriac; hypocrisy; hypodermic; hypotension; hypotenuse; hypothalamus; hypothesis | ипохондрик; лицемерие; подкожный; гипотония; гипотенуза; гипоталамус; гипотеза |
in (English) | in, inside, into, inward | inbound; income; incoming; inland; inlay; inmate; inside; intake; inward | прибывающий; доход; входящий; внутренняя часть страны; инкрустация; заключенный; внутри; прием; внутренний |
in, il, im, ir (Latin) | in, inside, into, inward | incident; incision; index; influence; influx; inquire; insure; interior; internal; illuminate; import; important; irradiate | инцидент; надрез; индекс; влияние; приток, наплыв; наводить справки; страховать; внутренняя часть; внутренний; освещать; импортировать; важный; излучать |
in, il, im, ir (Latin) | not | inability; individual; indivisible; inexpensive; intolerable; illegal; illiterate; illogical; immature; immoral; impatient; impolite; impossible; irregular; irresponsible | неспособность; индивидуальный; неделимый; недорогой; невыносимый; незаконный; неграмотный; нелогичный; незрелый; аморальный; нетерпеливый; невежливый; невозможный; неправильный; безответственный |
infra | below | infrared; infrasonic; infrastructure | инфракрасный; инфразвуковой; инфраструктура |
inter | between, together, during | interaction; intercept; interchangeable; interest; interfere; international; interpreter; interrupt; interview | взаимодействие; перехватить; взаимозаменяемый; интерес; вмешиваться; международный; переводчик; прерывать; интервью |
intra, intro | inside, within | intravenous; introduce; introduction; introvert | внутривенный; ввести, представить; введение; интроверт |
macro | large, long | macrobiotic; macroeconomics | живущий долго; макроэкономика |
magni | large, great | magnificent; magnify; magnitude | великолепный; увеличивать; величина |
mal | bad, wrongful | malfunction; malpractice; maladjusted; malicious | неисправная работа; преступное несоблюдение профессиональных обязанностей; плохо отрегулированный; злобный |
male | evil | malediction; malefaction; malefic, maleficent; malevolence | проклятие, клевета; злодеяние; пагубный, вредоносный; злобная недоброжелательность |
mega | large, great | megabyte; megacity (megalopolis, megapolis); megaphone; megaton; megawatt | мегабайт; мегаполис; мегафон; мегатонна; мегаватт |
meta | after, beyond, with; changing | metabolism; metamorphosis; metaphor; metaphysics | обмен веществ; метаморфоза; метафора; метафизика |
micro | very small | microbe; microbiology; microorganism; microphone; microscope; microsurgery; microwave oven | микроб; микробиология; микроорганизм; микрофон; микроскоп; микрохирургия; микроволновая печь |
mid | middle | midday; midnight; midsummer; midwife; Midwest (U.S.); mid-June | полдень; полночь; середина лета; акушерка; Средний Запад (США); середина июня |
mini | miniature | miniature; minibus; minicomputer; minify (minimize); miniskirt | миниатюрный; микроавтобус; мини-компьютер; уменьшать; мини-юбка |
mis | bad, wrong; negation | misfortune; misfire; mislead; misplace; misprint; mistake; mistreat; misunderstanding | злоключение; осечка; вводить в заблуждение; положить не на место; опечатка; ошибка; плохо обращаться; недоразумение |
mono | one | monogram; monologue; monopoly; monorail; monosyllabic; monotonous | монограмма; монолог; монополия; монорельс; односложный; монотонный |
multi | many | multicolor; multilateral; multimillionaire; multiply; multipurpose; multivitamin | многоцветный; многосторонний; мультимиллионер; умножать; многоцелевой; мультивитамин |
neo | new | neoclassical; Neo-Darwinism; neolithic; neologism | неоклассический; неодарвинизм; неолитический; неологизм |
non | not | nonalcoholic; nonexistent; noninterference; nonsense; nonsmoker; non-Euclidean (geometry) | безалкогольный; несуществующий; невмешательство; чепуха, абсурд; некурящий; неевклидова (геометрия) |
ob, o, oc, of, op | against, on, over, to, toward, completely | object; obligation; observe; obstruct; obtuse; omit; occupation; occur; offend; oppose; opposite; oppressive | возражать; обязательство; наблюдать; преграждать; тупоугольный; пропускать; занятие; случаться; обижать; противостоять; противоположный; подавляющий |
off | away from, apart from | offbeat; off-center; offline; off-season; offshore; offspring; off-white | нетрадиционный; смещенный с центра; в режиме оффлайн; не сезон, не пик сезона; на расстоянии от берега; отпрыск; не чисто белый |
omni | all | omnipotent (=almighty); omnipresent; omniscient; omnivorous | всемогущий, всесильный; вездесущий; всеведущий, всезнающий; всеядный |
on | in the process | oncoming; ongoing; online; onlooker | приближающийся; продолжающийся; в режиме онлайн; зритель |
out | out, beyond | outgoing; outlaw; outnumber; outside; outstanding | уходящий; преступник; превосходить количеством; снаружи; выдающийся |
over | beyond, above | overcoat; overcome; overdo; overeat; overlook; overweight | пальто; преодолеть; перестараться; переедать; просмотреть; избыточный вес |
para | beside, near | paragraph; paralegal; paramedic; paranormal; parapsychology | параграф; ассистент юриста; фельдшер; сверхъестественный; парапсихология |
per | through, very, for, thoroughly | perceive; percent; perfect; perform; perfume; permanent; persevere; persistent; perspective; persuade; perverse | воспринимать; процент; отличный; выполнять; духи; постоянный; упорно продолжать; настойчивый; перспектива; убедить; извращенный |
peri | around, beyond, near | pericardial; perimeter; periscope | перикардиальный; периметр; перископ |
poly | many | polyclinic; polyglot; polymer; polytechnic | поликлиника; полиглот; полимер; политехнический |
post | after, behind, later | posthumous; posterior; posterity; postgraduate; postmortem; postwar | посмертный; задний, последующий; потомство; аспирант; аутопсия; послевоенный |
pre | before, in front of | predict; preface; prefer; prehistoric; prepare; prepay; preposition; preschool; president; prevent; prewar | предсказать; предисловие; предпочитать; доисторический; подготовить; платить вперед; предлог; дошкольный; президент; предотвратить; довоенный |
pro | before, forward, in place of, in favor of | proceed; progress; prologue; prohibit; prospective; protect; proconsul; proverb; provide; pro-American; proactive | продолжать; прогресс; пролог; запрещать; будущий, ожидаемый; защищать; проконсул; пословица; обеспечить; проамериканский; активный |
pseudo | false | pseudoclassic; pseudointellectual; pseudonym | псевдоклассический; псевдоинтеллектуальный; псевдоним |
quasi | seeming; as if | quasi-official; quasi-scientific; quasi-serious | полуофициальный; квазинаучный; якобы серьезный |
re | again, back | react; recollect; recover; remember; remind; rename; renew; repeat; replace; reserve; respond; retell; return; review; revolve; reward | реагировать; вспомнить; выздороветь; помнить; напоминать; переименовать; возобновить; повторить; заменить; резервировать; откликнуться; пересказать; вернуться; обозревать; вращаться; вознаградить |
retro | backward | retroflex; retrograde; retrogress; retrospect | загнутый назад; движущийся в обратном направлении; регрессировать; взгляд в прошлое |
self | person | self-centered; self-confident; self-control; self-defense; self-discipline; self-employed; self-service; self-respect | эгоистичный; самоуверенный; самообладание; самозащита; самодисциплина; работающий в своем бизнесе (не по найму); самообслуживание; самоуважение |
semi | half | semiannual; semiautomatic; semicircle; semicolon; semifinal; semiprecious | происходящий раз в полгода; полуавтоматический; полукруг; точка с запятой; полуфинал; полудрагоценный |
sub, su, suc, suf, sug, sup, sur, sus | under, below, inferior | submarine; subordinate; substance; substandard; subtract; subtropical; suburb; suspect; success; suffer; sufficient; suggest; supply; support; suppose; surrogate; susceptible | подводная лодка; подчиненный; вещество; нестандартный; вычитать; субтропический; пригород; подозревать; успех; страдать; достаточный; предлагать; снабжать; поддерживать; полагать; суррогат; восприимчивый |
super | above, beyond, over | superconductor; superficial; superintendent; supermarket; supernatural; supersonic; supervise | сверхпроводник; поверхностный; управляющий; супермаркет; сверхъестественный; сверхзвуковой; наблюдать, надзирать |
sur | above, beyond, over | surface; surname; surpass; surprise; survey; survive | поверхность; фамилия; превосходить; удивить; обзор; выжить |
syn, sym, syl | together | synchronize; syntax; symmetry; symphony; syllable | синхронизировать; синтаксис; симметрия; симфония; слог |
trans | across, beyond, through | transaction; transcontinental; transfer; transform | сделка, транзакция; трансконтинентальный; перемещать; видоизменять |
ultra | beyond, extreme | ultramarine; ultrasonic; ultrasound; ultraviolet; ultramodern | ультрамариновый; ультразвуковой; ультразвук; ультрафиолетовый; ультрасовременный |
un | 1.not; 2.reverse action | 1. unable; unhappy; unnecessary; unemployment; unrest; 2. undo; unlock; unpack; unplug; unwrap | 1. неспособный; несчастный; ненужный; безработица; волнения; 2. отменить сделанное; отпереть; распаковать; отключить; развернуть |
under | below, beneath | undercurrent; underdeveloped; underestimate; underline; understand; undertake; underwear | подводное течение; недоразвитый; недооценить; подчеркнуть; понять; предпринять; нижнее белье |
uni | one | unicorn; uniform; unilateral; universal; universe; university | единорог; единообразный; односторонний; всеобщий, универсальный; вселенная; университет |
up | up, upward | upcoming; update; upgrade; uphill; uploading | предстоящий; обновление; повысить, улучшить; вверх, в гору; передача данных |
with | together | withdraw; withhold; withstand | взять назад; удерживать, вычитать; устоять, противостоять |
A prefix (affix) is a word, or letter(s) placed at the beginning of another word (a base word) to adjust or qualify its usage or meaning.
Understanding the meanings of the common prefixes can help us deduce the meanings of new words.
This table defines and illustrates the most common prefixes
Prefix | Example |
The opposite, a negative or reverse in- (in, into) un- (not/reverse action) ab- (reverse action) de- (reverse action) non- (not) dis-/di-/dif- (apart) im- (not/reverse action) a- (not) |
inaccurate unavoidable abdicate decompound dishonest immature nonexistent atheist |
Degree and quality super- (above, over)under- (lower in grade/dignity) sub- (below, under) semi- (half) hemi- (half) homo- (same) ultra- (beyond) up- (higher, or better) |
superficial underestimate suburban semicircle hemisphere homogenous ultrasonic upgrade |
Numbers and quantity bi- (two) uni- (one) tri- (three) twi- (two) di- (two) du-/duo (two) mono-, mon- (sole, only) multi-, mult- (many) omni- (all) ambi- (both) |
bicycle universal tricycle twilight dioxide duet monosyllabic multicultural omnivore ambivalent |
Position, direction trans- (over, through, across) out- (better, faster, longer, farther) back- (behind an object) by- (near to) down- (from higher/lesser) fore- (before, in front) mid- (middle) under- (below, beneath) ex- (out of) inter- (among, between) intra- (inside, within) |
transform outcome backporch bypass download forearm midstream underwear export international intravenous |
Bad or wrong mis- (wrong) mal- (badly) |
misfortune malnourish |
Attitude pro- (for, forward, in favour of) anti- (against, opposite) counter- (against) with- (against) un- (against) |
pro-life anti-freeze counterpart withstand unequal |
Time post- (after, behind) neo- (new) ex- (out of) pre- (before) |
post-graduation neolithic ex-husband pre-election |
With, along with, touching on co- (joint, with, accompanying) fellow- (joint, with, accompanying) con-/com-/col-/cor- (together or with) |
co-worker fellow-worker confederation cohabit correlation |
Size maxi- (very long, very large) mini- (small) midi- (medium-sized) mega-, megalo- (great, large) micro- (small) |
maxi-skirt minivan midi-length megastar micro-organism |
The Meaning of English Suffixes
Task1. Note the meanings of the 9 prefixes given below. Make new words with given prefixes. Decide on the part of speech for each of the words. Then work out the approximate meaning or the words that follow before checking their meanings in a good dictionary:
over=too much co=together en=make
under= too little il, in, im, ir, un=not.
dose-___________________________
shadow__________________________
privileged___________________________
habit______________________________
large________________________________
literate________________________________
measurable_____________________________
compromising_______________________________
Can you think of three more beginning with each of the prefixes listed in the exercise?
.Task2.Note the meanings of the 5 prefixes given in the box bellow. Make new words with given prefixes.Dicide on the part of speech for each of the words. Then work out the approximate meaning of the words that follow before checking their meanings in a good dictionary:
action_____________________________
planery_____________________________
historic______________________________
going_________________________________
humorous_______________________________
consider___________________________________
colonise__________________________________
Can you think three more words beginning with each of prefixes listed in the exercise?
Task 3 . Note the meanings of the 5 prefixes given in the box below. Make new words with given prefixes .decide on the part of speech for each of the words. Then work out the approximate meaning of the words that follow before checking their meanings in good dictionary:
trans= across, to the other side dis= causes the action to be reversed anti
counter= against, in opposition to mis= in the wrong manner
continental_____________________________
clockwise________________________________
balance__________________________________
count____________________________________
reputable___________________________________
handle______________________________________
understanding___________________________________
Can you think of three more words beginning with each of the prefixes listed in the exercise?
Task 4
In each sentence one word needs the addition of a prefix to give meaning to the sentence.
Identify the words which need prefixes and them.
-
Known as Saint Nicholas in Germany, Santa Claus was usually accompanied by Black peter, an elf, who punished____________ obedient children.
-
Unemployment and costs have to ______________ acceptable levels.
-
If he has his opinions on a subject, he is ____________ moveable.
-
She headed back home and left her mission______________ accomplished.
-
She is rather _______________ trustful person to strangers.
-
It was an ___________ mistakable step of his: he had own.
-
It was ________________ rational to react in that manner.
-
It is ________________ legal to drive while intoxicated.
-
It was _____________ modest of them to say that.
-
He had made progress that was previously____________ achievable.
-
It would be ____________ accurate to say that she has been dismissed.
-
He left a growing ______________ satisfaction with himself and his position.
-
It is a _____________ alcoholic drink.
-
You were ___________ attentive at the lecture, that’s why you didn’t understand anything.
-
The great Himalayan region is one of the few remaining isolated and ____________ accessible areas in the world today.
Task 5 In each sentence one word needs the addition of a prefix to give meaning to the sentence. Identify the words which need prefixes and them.
-
He never phones his friends or goes out any more: he’s becoming really social.________________
-
With 600 billion people, the country faces population.__________________________
-
Don’t you think it was very responsible to leave a six-year-old alone in the house?________________
-
There are too many mistakes in this essay: I’m afraid you’ll have to write it.________________-
-
He added a script to his letter to say that he received her check.___________________________
-
I think I have done the steaks: they’re very tough._________________________________
-
Drugs are legal in almost every country on earth.___________________________________
Task 6 in each sentence the word in capital letters needs the additions of prefix to give meaning.
I have decided to write my 1 _________________ -Biography! Now, you may think at 25 that I am too2_______________- MATURE to embark upon such an ambitious project but I think age is completely 3__________________ RELEVANT. Anyway, I’m sure that my literary abilities will allow me to 4____________ COME that hurdle only too easy. It will be written in a form of a 5______________ LOGUE in which I tell the world about some of the 6 ______________ BELIEVABLY interesting events in my life so far. I also intend to clear up some very common and totally 7 _______________ LOGICAL 8_____________ CONSEPTIONS about the 9____________NATURAL and finally convince people that all those pseudo-intellectuals at universities have got it all wrong. Being my friend, I hope you will buy a copy or it would be extremely 10_______________ LOYAL not to do so, after all.
Task 7 Complete this chart using the prefixes in the box to make the opposites of the adjectives and verbs given.
In- im- un- mis- dis- |
Adjective/ Verb |
Opposite |
active |
1____________________ |
secure |
2 |
capable |
3 |
experienced |
4 |
possible |
5 |
fortunate |
6 |
conscious |
7 |
healthy |
8 |
understand |
9 |
calculate |
10 |
approve |
11 |
obey |
12 |
Task 8 Form nouns from the given words with the help of the prefixes with the opposite meaning.
Example: employment- unemployment
honesty-____________________
difference-______________________
fortune-________________________
understanding-_______________________
dependence-_________________________
importance-__________________________
security-___________________________
expensive-_________________________
obedience-__________________________
population-__________________________
alcoholic-__________
___________________
Task 9 Supply the right adjectival forms.
Example: I suspect he isn’t honest. In fact he’s quite dishonest
-
This arrangement isn’t strictly legal. Some people would regard it is _________________
-
Sometimes she doesn’t behave in a responsible manner. She’s quite___________________
-
Such a situation is barely imaginable. It is quite_____________________________________
-
Bob’s not very capable. He’s ____________________ of making sound decisions.
-
This fish hasn’t been cooked enough. It’s _________________________________________
-
This scheme isn’t very practical. In fact, it’s quite_____________________________________
-
This dates from before the war. It’s_______________________________________________
Task 10. Form adjectives from the given ones with the help of the prefixes and point out the changes in meaning.
Example: practical- impractical
possible__________________
urban______________________
appointing_____________________
conscious _______________________
informed__________________________
accurate___________________________
believable___________________________
acceptable_____________________________
legal_________________________________
able_________________________________
complete______________________________
married________________________________
bearable_______________________________
successful______________________________
calculation_____________________________
approval________________________________
measurable______________________________
expensive________________________________
modest___________________________________
Keys.
Task 1. Possible answers: overdose, overshadow, underprivileged, cohabit, illiterate, immeasurable, uncompromising
Task2. Possible answers: interaction, interplanetary, prehistoric, foregoing, posthumous, reconsider, recolonise
Task3. Possible answers: transcontinental, anticlockwise, counterbalance, discount, disreputable, mishandle, misunderstanding
Task4. Possible answers: 1. disobedient, 2. unacceptable, 3 immovable, 4 unaccomplished, 5distruthful, 6. Unmistaken, 7. Irrational, 8. Illegal, 9. Immodest, 10.u,nachievable 11.unaccurate, 12.dissatisfaction
13 non-alcoholic,14 inattentive, 15 inaccessible
Task 5. 1 anti-social, 2. over-population, 3. irresponsible, 4. rewrite, 5. postscript, 6. overdone, 7 illegal
Task6 1. AUTOBIOGRAPHY, 2. IMMATURE, 3. IRRELEVANT, 4 OVERCOME, 5. MONOLOGUE/DIALOGUE
6. UNBELIEVABLY, 7 ILLOGICAL, 8. MISCONSEPTIONS, 9. SUPERNATURAL, 10. DISLOYAL
Task7 .1 inactive, 2 insecure, 3 incapable, 4 inexperienced, 5 Impossible, 6 unfortunate, 7 unconscious, 8 unhealthy, 9 misunderstand, 10 miscalculate, 11 disapprove, 12 disobey
Task8 dishonesty, indifference, misfortune, misunderstanding, independence, unimportance, insecurity, inexpensive, disobedience, overpopulation, non-alcoholic
Task9 illegal, irresponsible, unimaginable, incapable, uncooked, impractical, pre-war
Task10 impossible, interurban, disappointing, unconscious, unavailable, misinformed, inaccurate, unbelievable, unacceptable, illegal, unable, incomplete, unmarried, unbearable, unsuccessful, miscalculation, disapproval, immeasurable, inexpensive
👉 Prefix Meaning
Prefix is a letter or a group of letters that appears at the beginning of a word and changes the word’s original meaning.
Prefix Meaning Translation
English | Prefix is a letter or a group of letters that appears at the beginning of a word and changes the word’s original meaning. |
Spanish | El prefijo es una letra o un grupo de letras que aparece al principio de una palabra y cambia su significado original. |
French | Le préfixe est une lettre ou un groupe de lettres qui apparaît au début d’un mot et qui en modifie le sens initial. |
Italian | Il prefisso è una lettera o un gruppo di lettere che appare all’inizio di una parola e cambia il significato originale della parola. |
German | Eine Vorsilbe ist ein Buchstabe oder eine Gruppe von Buchstaben, die am Anfang eines Wortes erscheint und die ursprüngliche Bedeutung des Wortes verändert. |
Portuguese | Prefixo é uma letra ou um grupo de letras que aparece no início de uma palavra e altera o significado original da palavra. |
Russian | Префикс – это буква или группа букв, которая появляется в начале слова и изменяет его исходное значение. |
Chinese | 前缀是指出现在单词开头的一个字母或一组字母,它改变了单词的本义。 |
Japanese | 接頭辞とは、単語の先頭に現れ、その単語の本来の意味を変える文字または文字群のことです。 |
Polish | Przedrostek to litera lub grupa liter, która pojawia się na początku słowa i zmienia jego pierwotne znaczenie. |
Hungarian | Az előtag olyan betű vagy betűcsoport, amely egy szó elején jelenik meg, és megváltoztatja a szó eredeti jelentését. |
Swedish | Prefix är en bokstav eller en grupp av bokstäver som står i början av ett ord och ändrar ordets ursprungliga betydelse. |
👉 Suffix Meaning
What is the Suffix?
Suffix is a letter or a group of letters that is usually added onto the end of words, to change the way a word fits into a sentence grammatically.
Suffix Meaning Translation
English | Suffix is a letter or a group of letters that is usually added onto the end of words, to change the way a word fits into a sentence grammatically. |
Spanish | El sufijo es una letra o un grupo de letras que se suele añadir al final de las palabras, para cambiar la forma en que una palabra encaja gramaticalmente en una frase. |
French | Le suffixe est une lettre ou un groupe de lettres qui est généralement ajouté à la fin d’un mot, afin de modifier la façon dont ce mot s’intègre dans une phrase sur le plan grammatical. |
Italian | Il suffisso è una lettera o un gruppo di lettere che di solito viene aggiunto alla fine delle parole, per cambiare il modo in cui una parola si inserisce grammaticalmente in una frase. |
German | Ein Suffix ist ein Buchstabe oder eine Gruppe von Buchstaben, die normalerweise an das Ende von Wörtern angehängt wird, um die Art und Weise zu ändern, wie ein Wort grammatikalisch in einen Satz passt. |
Portuguese | Sufixo é uma letra ou um grupo de letras que é normalmente adicionado no final das palavras, para alterar a forma como uma palavra se encaixa numa frase gramaticalmente. |
Russian | Суффикс – это буква или группа букв, которые обычно добавляются в конец слова, чтобы изменить способ грамматического вставки слова в предложение. |
Chinese | 后缀是一个字母或一组字母,通常加在单词的末尾,以改变一个单词在语法上与句子的配合方式。 |
Japanese | Suffix(サフィックス)とは、通常、単語の末尾に付加される文字または文字群のことで、文法的に単語が文に収まる方法を変えるためのものです。 |
Polish | Sufiks to litera lub grupa liter, która jest zazwyczaj dodawana na końcu słowa, aby zmienić sposób, w jaki słowo pasuje do zdania pod względem gramatycznym. |
Hungarian | Az utótag olyan betű vagy betűcsoport, amelyet általában a szavak végére illesztenek, hogy megváltoztassák a szó nyelvtani beilleszkedését a mondatba. |
Swedish | Suffix är en bokstav eller en grupp av bokstäver som vanligtvis läggs till i slutet av ett ord för att ändra hur ett ord passar in i en mening rent grammatiskt. |
Suffix Meaning Translation
Nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs all tend to use different suffixes, so this makes it a little easier to remember! Collectively, prefixes and suffixes are known as ‘affixes’.👉 Prefixes
Prefix Definitions
A prefix is a letter or a group of letters that attaches to the beginning of a word and helps to indicate or modify its meaning. An easy example would be the word ‘prefix’ itself! It begins with the prefix pre-, which means ‘before’.
It is quite important to understand what different prefixes mean as they can help to understand the meanings of any new vocabulary that you learn. However, you do need to be careful, as sometimes a prefix can have more than one meaning!
An example would be im-, this can mean ‘not’ or ‘into’.
Here is a list of the most common prefixes
👉 Prefix Examples
PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLES |
---|---|---|
ante- | before | antenatal, anteroom, antedate |
anti- | against, opposing | antibiotic, antidepressant, antidote |
circum- | around | circumstance, circumvent, circumnavigate |
co- | with | co-worker, co-pilot, co-operation |
de- | off, down, away from | devalue, defrost, derail, demotivate |
dis- | opposite of, not | disagree, disappear, disintegrate, disapprove |
em-, en- | cause to, put into | embrace, encode, embed, enclose, engulf |
epi- | upon, close to, after | epicentre, episcope, epidermis |
ex- | former, out of | ex-president, ex-boyfriend, exterminate |
extra- | beyond, more than | extracurricular, extraordinary, extra-terrestrial |
fore- | before | forecast, forehead, foresee, foreword, foremost |
homo- | same | homosexual, homonuclear, homoplastic |
hyper- | over, above | hyperactive, hyperventilate |
il-, im-, in-, ir- | not | impossible, illegal, irresponsible, indefinite |
im-, in- | into | insert, import, inside |
infra- | beneath, below | infrastructure, infrared, infrasonic, infraspecific |
inter-, intra- | between | interact, intermediate, intergalactic, intranet |
macro- | large | macroeconomics, macromolecule |
micro- | small | microscope, microbiology, microfilm, microwave |
mid- | middle | midfielder, midway, midsummer |
mis- | wrongly | misinterpret, misfire, mistake, misunderstand |
mono- | one, singular | monotone, monobrow, monolithic |
non- | not, without | nonsense, nonentity, nondescript |
omni- | all, every | omnibus, omnivore, omnipotent |
para- | beside | parachute, paramedic, paradox |
post- | after | post-mortem, postpone, post-natal |
pre- | before | prefix, predetermine, pre-intermediate |
re- | again | return, rediscover, reiterate, reunite |
semi- | half | semicircle, semi-final, semiconscious |
sub- | under | submerge, submarine, sub-category, subtitle |
super- | above, over | superfood, superstar, supernatural, superimpose |
therm- | heat | thermometer, thermostat, thermodynamic |
trans- | across, beyond | transport, transnational, transatlantic |
tri- | three | triangle, tripod, tricycle |
un- | not | unfinished, unfriendly, undone, unknown |
uni- | one | unicycle, universal, unilateral, unanimous |
METRIC SYSTEM PREFIXES
nano- |
0. 000 000 001 |
milli- |
0. 001 |
centi- |
0. 01 |
kilo- |
1000 |
mega- |
1000 000 |
giga- |
1000 000 000 |
tera- |
1000 000 000 000 |
Prefix nano-
The prefix nano- is used in the metric system. The prefix denotes a factor of one billionth.
Example:
- Nanometer
Prefix milli-
The prefix milli- is used in the metric system. It has only one use and it is to denote a factor of one thousandth.
Example:
- Millimeter
Prefix centi-
Centi- is a unit prefix in the metric system. It denotes a factor of one hundredth.
Examples:
- Centimeter, centigram, centiliter, etc.
Prefix kilo-
The prefix kilo- is a decimal unit prefix in the metric system. It denotes a multiplication of one thousand.
Examples:
- Kilogram, kilometer, kilojoule, kilobyte, kilobit, kiloohm, kilosecond, etc.
Prefix mega-
The prefix mega- can be used in two ways. The first is as a unit prefix in the metric system, and it describes one million units. The second is as an add-on for words to make them present something large.
Examples for metric system
- Megapixel, megahertz, megabyte, megawatt, megadeath, megaton, megameter, etc.
Examples for add-on:
- Mega-mass, mega-man, mega-important, mega-dope, mega-sized, etc.
Prefix giga-
The prefix giga- is used in the metric system to denote a factor of a billion. It is also commonly hyphenated in colloquial speech to describe something of great size.
Examples:
- Gigahertz, gigabyte, gigabit, giga-shroom, giga-power, giga-hamburger, giga-sized, etc.
Prefix tera- / Prefix for trillion
The prefix for trillion is tera-. Tera- is a unit prefix in the metric system.
Examples:
- Terawatt, terabyte, teralitre, terameter, terasecond, etc.
MEDICAL, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, AND SCIENCE PREFIXES
epi- |
Biology and medicine – meaning: up, upon, over, etc. |
para- |
Science and medicine – meaning: on the side of, beside, etc. |
endo- |
Biology and Medicine – meaning: within |
eu- |
Biology and chemistry – meaning: good, well |
intra- |
Medicine and biology – meaning: within |
hemi- |
Medicine and biology – meaning: half |
hetero- |
Biology and social science – meaning: different, other |
trans- |
Chemistry and astronomy – meaning: across, over, beyond, etc. |
sub- |
Chemistry and science – meaning: under, below, beneath, etc. |
poly- |
Chemistry, biology, and music theory – meaning: many, much, etc. |
tetra- |
Chemistry, math, and geometry – meaning: four |
iso- |
Chemistry – meaning: equal |
di- |
Chemistry – meaning: two, twice, double |
mono- |
Chemistry and biology – meaning: singular, alone, one |
hyper- |
Science and astrology – meaning: abundant, exaggerated, etc. |
hypo- |
Medicine and biology – meaning: under |
peri- |
Biology and geography – meaning: around, about, etc. |
Prefix epi-
The prefix epi- is of Greek origin. It describes something that is on, upon, over, near, at before, or after something else. It is used across many sciences and disciplines, and is most common in biology and medicine,
Examples:
- Epicenter, epiblast, epidemic, epicarp, epiderm, epidural, epigene, epistasis, epidermis, epitome, epigraph, epigram, epipod, etc.
Prefix para-
The prefix para- is most commonly attached to verbs, and verb phrases. It means at one side of, or on the side of, as well as meaning beside, side by side, beyond, past, or describes something defective or inactive. It is used commonly in sciences and medicine.
Examples:
- Paradigm, parabola, paradox, parasitic, parallax, parameter, paranoia, paranormal, paraphernalia, parapraxis, parasite, paralegal, etc.
Prefix endo-
Endo- is a very simple prefix, and it means within. It is commonly used in biology, medicine, and other sciences.
Examples:
- Endobiotic, endocarp, endocrine, endoderm, endogenous, endomitosis, endomorph, endorphin, endoplasm, endospore, endotherm, etc.
Prefix eu-
The prefix eu- stems from Greek. It means something good, or well. It is commonly used in biology, medicine, and chemistry.
Examples:
- Eulogy, eucalyptus, euchlorine, euglycemia, eukaryote, euthanasia, euglena, eupeptic, eupnea, euthyroid, euthropic, euploid, etc.
Prefix intra-
The prefix intra- simply means within, and it is often associated with the prefix inter-. It is used to form compound words. The prefix intra- is also commonly used in biology and medicine.
Examples:
- Intravenous, intradermal, intracranial, intrada, intracardiac, intraclonal, intracodon, intray, intraocular, intrauterine, intrahost, intrasient, intraset, etc.
Prefix hemi-
The prefix hemi- is a simple one, and it means half. It is most commonly used in medicine and biology.
Examples:
- Hemiparesis, hemiplegia, hemithorax, hemihelix, hemicarbonic, hemicerebral, hemicoronal, heminode, hemiparesis, etc.
Prefix hetero-
The prefix hetero- simply means different, or other. It’s most commonly encountered in medicine and biology, as well as sometimes in social sciences.
Examples:
- Heterocyclic, heteromorphism, heterosexual, heterozygous, heterodox, heterogene, heteropod, heterochromatic, heterolateral, heterodiagenic, etc.
Prefix trans-
The prefix trans- is originally from Latin, and it’s very versatile in its use. It means something across, over, beyond, through, or changing. It is also used in chemistry, and astronomy, to denote distance. It also refers to something on the other side of something, and is used to describe one’s gender if it doesn’t align with the biologically assigned sex.
Examples:
- Transgression, translucent, transaction, transfixed, transatlantic, transcontinental, trans-Martian, trans-Neptunian, transsexual, transgender, translation, etc.
Prefix sub-
The prefix sub- comes from Latin and it is very simple, but versatile. It means under, below, beneath, slightly, nearly, imperfect, secondary, or subordinate. It is also commonly used in chemistry and other sciences.
Examples:
- Subject, subtract, subjugate, subnitrate, suboxide, subchloride, subplot, subcommittee, subvert, submerge, submarine, subscribe, subtropical, etc.
Prefix poly-
The prefix poly- means many, much, or in great number. It is very common in chemistry and biology, as well as music theory.
Examples:
- Polyandrous, polyethylene, polymorphic, polyglot, polymer, polyester, polycaliber, polycentric, polytonal, polychord, polycratic, etc.
Prefix tetra-
Tetra- is a numeral prefix, and it means four. It is used to denote a thing that consists of four parts. It is commonly used in various sciences, especially chemistry, math, and geometry.
Examples:
- Tetrameter, tetragon, tetrahelix, tetrahydride, tetraionic, tetrachloride, tetracube, tetracycline, tetraethyl, tetranuclear, etc.
Prefix iso-
The prefix iso- means equal. It is commonly used in chemistry to describe isometric compounds. It is also used in the formation of various compound words.
Examples:
- Isometric, isotope, isocyanic, isoalkene, isolate, isontropic, isoclonal, isocurve, etc.
Prefix di-
The prefix di- comes from Greek, and it means two, twice, or double. It is used in the formation of various compound words. It is commonly seen in chemistry.
Examples:
- Dipolar, disulfide, diatomic, dioxide, dialogic, diazepine, dicobalt, diacarboxyl, dibasal, dibenzonate, etc.
Prefix mono-
The prefix mono- means something singular, alone, or simply one. It is commonly used in various sciences.
Examples:
- Mononucleosis, monophonic, monogamy, monorail, monopoly, monotheism, monolayer, monohydrate, monotonous, monotone, monoplan, etc.
Prefix hyper-
The prefix hyper- comes from Greek. It is used to describe something that is abundant, it means over and denotes something in excess or something being exaggerated. It is used commonly in sciences to denote mass or space.
Examples:
- Hyperbole, hyperthyroid, hyperventilate, hypermass, hyperinflation, hyperactive, hypercatabolic, hyperchloric, hypercritical, hyperchronic, hyperlink, etc.
Prefix hypo-
Hypo is a very simple prefix that comes from Greek. It means under. It is commonly used in medical terms, as well as generally in sciences and various researches.
Examples:
- Hypodermic, hypoglycemia, hypochondria, hypoallergenic, hypothesis, hypocritical, hypocrite, hypocorism, hypogean, hypocaust, etc.
Prefix peri-
The prefix peri- comes from Greek. It means around, about, enclosing, surrounding, or near. It is commonly used in biology and geography.
Examples:
- Periphery, periscope, pericranial, peridigital, perifacial, perimeter, peripatetic, perimorph, periodontal, periosteum, perihelion, etc.
Chemistry Prefixes
In chemistry prefixes are used to name various compounds. These prefixes denote the number of a given element within a compound.
Prefixes:
- 1 – mono, 2 – di, 3 – tri, 4 – tetra, 5 – penta, 6 – hexa, 7 – hepta, 8 – octa, 9 – nona, 10 – deca
Examples:
- Nitrogen trihydride, copper sulfate pentahydrate, bicarbon sulfate, etc.
GRAMMATICAL PREFIXES
de- |
Privation, removal, separation, etc. |
inter- |
In between, among, together, etc. |
pro- |
Affinity to something, advancing, etc. |
ex- |
Our of, from, without |
un- |
Not, opposite meaning of the original word |
re- |
Again, repeating, back, etc. |
mis- |
Mistaken, wrong, incorrect, etc. |
con- |
Together, joined, etc. |
pre- |
Before, prior to, in front of, etc. |
im- |
Change meaning to the negative form of the original |
ad- |
To, towards, joining, etc. |
anti- |
Against, in opposition of something, etc. |
auto- |
Self, same, spontaneous, etc. |
pan- |
All, union of branches |
dia- |
Through, completely, going apart, etc. |
neo- |
New, fresh, young, etc. |
post- |
Behind, after, later, etc. |
ab- |
Away from |
bi- |
Twice, two |
co- |
Together, jointly, mutually |
en- |
Confine something in a place, etc. |
fore- |
Before, in front, superior |
retro- |
Before, backwards |
tele- |
Distance, measuring distance |
be- |
To exist |
an- |
Without, lacking, not |
Prefix de-
The prefix de- is of Latin origin. It is used to indicate privation, removal, separation, negation, descent, reversal, or intensity. The prefix de- is also added to verbs in order for them to mean the opposite of what they originally mean.
Examples:
- Decide, dehumidify, degrade, detract, deduce, decompose, decentralize, desensitize, deconstruct, demoralize, defrost, destroy, etc.
Prefix inter-
The prefix inter- comes from Latin. It describes something that is between, among, in the midst of, mutual, reciprocated, together, or active during an event. The prefix can be used to modify various types of words.
Examples:
- Interact, intercede, interlude, intercept, intersect, intercom, interim, interject, intermediate, international, internet, interrupt, intertwine, interview, etc.
Prefix pro-
Pro- is a very versatile prefix. It is used to describe an affinity for something. It can also describe priority in space and time, as well as denoting advancing, or indicating substitution.
Examples:
- Pro-British, pro-Communist, proactive, provision, prologue, proceed, produce, protract, procrastinate, proactive, prohibit, provoke, pronounce, etc.
Prefix ex-
The prefix ex- is simple to use, because it is most commonly hyphenated. It means out of, from, utterly, thoroughly, not, or without, and can indicate a former status or title.
Examples:
- Ex-wife, ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend, ex-member, ex-president, ex-convict, exodus, exhume, ex-husband, ex-Christian, etc.
Prefix un-
The prefix un- is simple to use because it only means not. It can be attached to all forms of words in order for them to mean the opposite of what they originally do.
Examples:
- Unfair, unemployed, unseen, unfeeling, uninformed, undisputed, unheard, unrest, unable, unhappy, uncooked, unzip, etc.
Prefix re-
The prefix re- is originally from Latin. It means again, or describes something that is being repeated, and it can also mean back, or backwards to denote a regression.
Examples:
- Regenerate, refurbish, reimburse, revert, retract, retype, reconsider, revolt, renew, reveal, redistribute, reconcile, restock, etc.
Prefix mis-
Mis- is a very versatile prefix, and can be applied to many different types of words. It means ill, mistaken, wrong, incorrect, and in general has a negative context.
Examples:
- Mistake, mishap, misinformed, misaligned, misspell, misread, misuse, mispronounce, mishear, mistrial, misprint, mistrust, misbehavior, etc.
Prefix con-
The prefix con- is used with nouns, adjectives, and some verbs. It means together, joined, as well as denoting a group of people, ideas, or things.
Examples:
- Confirm, congregation, congenial, console, converge, consult, confederation, conjoined, conjecture, confluence, contingent, conflate, etc.
Prefix pre-
The prefix pre- stems from Latin, and it is applied to various different words. It means before, predating, prior to, in advance of, or in front of.
Examples:
- Prelude, preset, prevent, prepay, preschool, prewar, prefrontal, prenatal, predetermined, prehistoric, pretrial, preheat, precaution, etc.
Prefix im-
The prefix im- is a negative prefix, which means it is used to change the meaning of a word into a negative. It can be applied to many different types of words, most notably nouns and adjectives.
Examples:
- Impossible, impatient, imperfect, immature, impurity, impartially, immobilized, immaculate, impassive, imperil, etc.
Prefix ad-
The prefix ad- comes from Latin. It means towards, to, with regard to, or in relation to. It can also describe addition, or joining.
Examples:
- Administer, advertise, adhere, addition, adrenal, admonish, adgerminal, addental, adoral, adjoin, etc.
Prefix anti-
The prefix anti- means against, opposite of, or in opposition of something. It is used to form compound words that mean the opposite of their original meaning. It is also commonly hyphenated.
Examples:
- Antiseptic, anti-hero, antidote, antifreeze, antisocial, antiviral, antibiotic, antibody, antiwar, anti-government, antisocial, antiaircraft, etc.
Prefix auto-
The prefix auto- means self, same, spontaneous, or self-sufficient. It is used to create compound words, and can be used on various types of words.
Examples:
- Autobiography, automotive, autopilot, autograph, automobile, automatic, autonomy, autocratic, autocorrect, autodidact, etc.
Prefix pan-
The prefix pan- comes from Greek. It means all, and it implies the union of branches or groups. It is often hyphenated, and can be used to create various compound words.
Examples:
- Panacea, panoply, pantheism, pantonality, pan-Christian, pan-Slavic, panorama, pansexual, pan-African, etc.
Prefix dia-
The prefix dia- stems from Greek. It means passing through, thoroughly, completely, going apart, or opposed in the moment. It is a very diverse prefix and is used in different compound words.
Examples:
- Diabetes, dialect, diabolic, diagnosis, dialysis, diagram, diaspora, dialogue, diaper, diarrhea, diameter, diagonal, etc.
Prefix neo-
The prefix neo- comes from Greek. It means new, fresh, young, or recent. It is often hyphenated, and can be used to create various compound words.
Examples:
- Neolithic, neo-Baroque, neoformative, neonatal, neo-socialist, neoclassical, neoclassicism, neo-fascist, neoglacial, neo-Hellenic, neocosmic, etc.
Prefix post-
The prefix post- comes from Latin. It means behind, after, later, subsequent to. It is used in various compound words, and it can be often hyphenated.
Examples:
- Postdoctoral, postscript, postmodern, postgraduate, post-Victorian, postcolonial, post-coital, posthumous, postpone, postwar, post-Elizabethan, posterior, etc.
Prefix ab-
The prefix ab- comes from Latin. It is a simple prefix and it means away from. It’s used commonly in with various types of words.
Examples:
- Abdicate, absolve, absolute, absorb, abject, abhor, abjure, abort, absorb, abnormal, abrasive, abominable, ablation, etc.
Prefix bi-
The prefix bi- is very simple and it means twice, or two. It is used in various compound words.
Examples:
- Biracial, biceps, biannual, bilingual, bipedal, billion, binoculars, bicycle, bipartisan, bisect, bimonthly, bicarbonate, bifurcate, etc.
Prefix co-
The prefix co- means together, jointly, or mutually, and it is used with various nouns, adjectives, or verbs. It can also be hyphenated sometimes.
Examples:
- Cohabitation, coauthor, copilot, co-conspirator, co-manage, coexist, coaxial, co-captain, co-creator, co-anchor, etc.
Prefix en-
The prefix en- stems mainly from French. It means to confines something in a place, or to gather in a place, as well as to cause something or someone o be in a specific place. It is a very versatile prefix used in many different compound words.
Examples:
- Enslave, entrust, enthrone, entomb, enshrine, encircle, enclose, entwine, encapsulate, entangle, enable, endear, encase, etc.
Prefix fore-
The prefix fore- is fairly simple, and it means before, in front, or superior. It is used with various types of words.
Examples:
- Forehead, forefront, forecast, forefathers, foreman, foremost, foreground, foreshadow, foresee, foreword, forebode, etc.
Prefix retro-
The prefix retro- comes from Latin. It means before, or backwards. It is commonly used with various types of words.
Examples:
- Retroactive, retrograde, retrospective, retrogress, retrorocket, retroscape, retroglossal, retrogene, retrodiagnose, etc.
Prefix tele-
The prefix tele- means distant, or refers to a transmission over distance. It is most commonly used with nouns and adjectives.
Examples:
- Television, telesales, telephone, teleplay, telegraph, telemarketing, teleguide, telegram, telekinesis, telemonitor, etc.
Prefix be-
Be-, as a separate word, means to exist. Be- as a suffix comes from Old English, and has been used in the English language ever since. It was first used in the formation of verbs, but has since expanded in use.
Examples:
- Befriend, bewitch, besiege, beguile, become, berate, bejewel, bewail, bedazzle etc.
Prefix an-
An- is another Old English prefix. It is used to shift words into a negative meaning. This means that the words usually describe something without, lacking, or just simply means not.
Examples:
- Anoxia, anastral, anegoic, anethical, anhistorical, aniconic, anisomeric, anisotomic, anotia, anuria, etc.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What are the prefix words?
Prefixes are words that don’t mean anything on their own. They only serve to change the meaning of the word they are attached to. Prefixes, because of that, are not really words.
Prefixes are attached to the start of other words.
Example:
- DIS-
DISbelief, DISpleasure, DISconnect
DIS, by itself, does not mean anything. When it’s combined with another word it changes the meaning.
Some prefixed are words that have a meaning on their own, but they are short and can be attached to other words.
Words with the prefix for?
The prefix for is very old, and it comes from Scandinavian languages. It was adopted by the English language and has been used for ages. Usually, the prefix for is added to words when they are supposed to describe something that ends up being worse than it started.
Many words that have the prefix for are old, and are not used very commonly today.
Examples:
- Forbear, forbuy, forcut, fordo, forswearer, forgather, forhang, forlet, forlive, forset, forslow, forstop, fortear, fortread, forwarn, forwork, etc.
Other words are used in English regularly, and the prefix has been integrated into the word. In some words an E has been added between the suffix and the rest of the word. In other modern versions the prefix has remained the same
Examples:
- Forebode, forego, forefather, forbidden, forsake, foreshadow, foreskin, forsworn
Prefix Herbicide
Prefix herbicide is an American product that is manufactured in the US, and used to treat various types of grass. It is a selective herbicide and can be applied to different types of grassy terrain, as well as come crops. PREFIX is the name of manufacturer.
Are prefix allowed in scrabble?
Prefixes by themselves are not allowed in Scrabble. This means that just putting any prefix such as post-, pre-, neo-, eb-, or others, is not allowed.
However, you can use words that are built with prefixes. Only complete words are allowed in Scrabble. This means that you can use postmodernism, instead of just modernism.
Can prefix be a noun / verb / plural?
Prefixes as grammatical elements are not complete words. They cannot be any type of word except a prefix. Prefixes are used to change words and are always added to another type of words.
The only case when prefixes are complete words is when two or more words are hyphenated together. Some examples are jet-black, tar-runway, hot-blooded, and others. In this case, two full words are connected with a hyphen.
Prefix and Postfix
Prefix and postfix are terms used in programming and coding. They are connected to operators and operands. Each appears in a different situation, and achieves different results.
A prefix is an expression where the operator appears in the expression before the operands. This is then called a prefix expression.
A postfix appears in an expression when the operator appears in the expression after the operands. This is then called a postfix expression.
Prefix and postfix expressions are used in C++, Java, and C#.
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A suffix is a letter or a group of letters that is usually attached to the end of a word to form a new word, as well as alter the way it functions grammatically.
Words with Suffixes
Depending on whether it is a noun, verb, adjective or adverb, a different suffix would be required. For example, the verb read can be altered to become the noun reader by adding the suffix -er. The same verb can also be turned into the adjective readable by adding the suffix –able.
It is just as important to understand the definitions of suffixes as prefixes, because they too help us to deduce the meanings of any new words that we learn. I have listed some of the most common suffixes below:
👉 Suffix Examples
SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE |
---|---|---|
NOUN SUFFIXES | ||
-acy | state or quality | democracy, accuracy, lunacy |
-al | the action or process of | remedial, denial, trial, criminal |
-ance, -ence | state or quality of | nuisance, ambience, tolerance |
-dom | place or state of being | freedom, stardom, boredom |
-er, -or | person or object that does a specified action | reader, creator, interpreter, inventor, collaborator, teacher |
-ism | doctrine, belief | Judaism, scepticism, escapism |
-ist | person or object that does a specified action | Geologist, protagonist, sexist, scientist, theorist, communist |
-ity, -ty | quality of | extremity, validity, enormity |
-ment | condition | enchantment, argument |
-ness | state of being | heaviness, highness, sickness |
-ship | position held | friendship, hardship, internship |
-sion, -tion | state of being | position, promotion, cohesion |
VERB SUFFIXES | ||
-ate | become | mediate, collaborate, create |
-en | become | sharpen, strengthen, loosen |
-ify, -fy | make or become | justify, simplify, magnify, satisfy |
-ise, -ize | become | publicise, synthesise, hypnotise |
ADJECTIVE SUFFIXES | ||
-able, -ible | capable of being | edible, fallible, incredible, audible |
-al | having the form or character of | fiscal, thermal, herbal, colonial |
-esque | in a manner of or resembling | picturesque, burlesque, grotesque |
-ful | notable for | handful, playful, hopeful, skilful |
-ic, -ical | having the form or character of | psychological, hypocritical, methodical, nonsensical, musical |
-ious, -ous | characterised by | pious, jealous, religious, ridiculous |
-ish | having the quality of | squeamish, sheepish, childish |
-ive | having the nature of | inquisitive, informative, attentive |
-less | without | meaningless, hopeless, homeless |
-y | characterised by | dainty, beauty, airy, jealousy |
ADVERB SUFFIXES | ||
-ly | related to or quality | softly, slowly, happily, crazily, madly |
-ward, -wards | direction | towards, afterwards, backwards, inward |
-wise | in relation to | otherwise, likewise, clockwise |
So as you can see, affixes can dramatically change the definitions of words. Knowing the various prefixes and suffixes along with their meanings can really help you to understand how words are used, and also how they should be spelled.
Although these groups of letters (affixes) are important and assist with forming words, they are not words in their own right and cannot stand alone in a sentence.
If they are printed or written alone, then they should have a hyphen before or after them to demonstrate that they are to be attached to other letters to form words (the way I have listed them in the above tables).
MEDICAL, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, AND SCIENCE SUFFIXES:
-itis |
Medicine – meaning: infection, inflammation |
-pathy |
Medicine – meaning: have a condition |
-penia |
Medicine – meaning: deficiency |
-tomy/otomy |
Medicine and biology – meaning: condition, procedures, etc. |
-logy |
Science and medicine – meaning: various branches of science |
-lysis |
Biology and science – meaning: decomposition, loosening, etc. |
-osis |
Biology – meaning: infection, condition, state, etc. |
-centisis |
Medicine – meaning: surgical puncture |
suffixes for pain |
Medicine and biology |
Suffix -itis
The suffix –itis is commonly used in medicine. It describes a type of infection, condition, inflammation, or some medical diagnoses.
Examples:
- Appendicitis, arthritis, barotitis, bronchitis, cerebritis, colitis, conjunctivitis, encephalitis, gastritis, hepatitis, meningitis, etc.
Suffix -pathy
The suffix -pathy comes from Greek, and is commonly used in medicine. It means to suffer from a disease, or have a condition.
Examples:
- Biopathy, cerebropathy, colopathy, dyspathy, eupathy, genopathy, homeopathy, immunopathy, leucopathy, mazopathy, neuropathy, osteopathy, stomatopathy, etc.
Suffix -penia
The suffix -penia is common in medicine. It means to have a deficiency of something.
Examples:
- Calcipenia, cytopenia, enzymopenia, kaliopenia, lipopenia, neutropenia, sarcopenia, sideropenia, etc.
Suffix -tomy / -otomy
The suffixes -tomy or -otomy are often used in biology and medicine. They refer to medical conditions, diagnoses, procedures, or operations.
Examples:
- Anatomy, autotomy, craniotomy, episiotomy, hysterotomy, laparotomy, lobotomy, tracheotomy, polytomy, rumenotomy, tenotomy, uvulotomy, etc.
Suffix -logy
The suffix –logy is commonly used in sciences, and medicine. It refers to various branches of science, or to a body of knowledge. It can also denote collection of stories and discourses.
Examples:
- Trilogy, duology, mythology, archaeology, anthropology, theology, paleontology, toxicology, gynecology, biology, Egyptology, ethnology, neurology, etc.
Suffix -lysis
The suffix -lysis of common biology, various sciences, and academics in general. It refers to decomposition, loosening, breaking down, separation, or decomposition.
Examples:
- Analysis, adipolysis, dermolysis, biolysis, catalysis, dialysis, plasmolysis, radiolysis, tenolysis, sonolysis, virolysis, streptolysis, etc.
Suffix -osis
-Osis is a very common suffix in biology. -Osis means to be infected with something, or means a condition, state, abnormal process, and disease.
Examples:
- Asbestosis, cyanosis, fibrosis, hypnosis, ketosis, mitosis, neurosis, osteoporosis, psychosis, stenosis, thrombosis, tuberculosis, etc.
Suffix -centisis
General surgical punctures are described with the suffix -centisis. This suffix is used to denote that a specific part of the body has been surgically punctured. It can be used with almost any body part.
Examples:
- Abdominocentisis, paracentesis, arthrocentesis, celiocentesis, lumbarocentesis, thoracentesis, etc.
Suffixes for Pain
In order to describe pain through the use of a suffix you can use any medical suffix to present the condition. There is no specific suffix that denotes a type of pain. Instead, you can use a variety of suffixes to describe a specific type of condition, or pain in a specific area.
Suffix examples:
- -algia, -cardia, -emia, -itis, -lysis, -oma, -osis, -pathy, etc.
Word examples:
- Fibromyalgia, neuralgia, tachycardia, enamia, hypoglycemia, arthritis, meningitis, paralysis, blastoma, glaucoma, proctosis, neuropathy, etc.
LIST OF NAME SUFFIXES / SUFFIX OF A NAME
Names can have suffixes depending on the person’s academic honors, religious affiliation, political title, or family status.
Academic honors examples:
- Bachelor’s degree: John Doe, A.B, B.A., B.A., Hons, B.S., B.E., B.F.A., B.Tech., L.L.B, B.Sc., etc.
- Master’s degree: John Doe, M.A., M.S., M.F.A., LL.M, M.L.A., M.B.A., M.Sc., M.Eng etc.
- Professional doctorate: John Doe, J.D., M.D., D.O., Pharm.D., D.Min., etc.
- Academic doctorate: John Doe, Ph.D., Ed.D., D.Phil., D.B.A., LL.D, Eng.D., etc.
Political and religious title examples:
- Order of the British Empire: John Doe, O.B.E
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire: John Doe, K.B.E
- Doctor of Divinity: John Doe, D.D.
- Esquire: John Doe, Esq.
- Attorney: John Doe, CSA
The suffix Jr. is used after names. It means that a person is the offspring of a father with the same name. Some famous examples are Martin Luther King Jr., Cuba Gooding Jr. Sammy Davis Jr., John F. Kennedy Jr. and others.
Family status examples:
- John Doe, Jr.
- John Doe, Sr.
GRAMMATICAL SUFFIXES:
-ism |
Practice, action, principle, etc. |
-ous |
Form of possession |
-al |
Kind of, pertaining to, etc. |
-ist |
Specific action, specific value, doctrine, etc. |
-able |
Capability, susceptible of, fit for, etc. |
-ic |
Something has a characteristic of something else |
-ion |
Action, condition |
-tion |
Action or result of something |
-ed |
Past tense, adjectives from nouns or verbs, compound verbs |
-ly |
Repeated in intervals |
-ment |
Actions, results |
-ness |
Quality, state |
-er |
Specific action, job, origin, etc. |
-ate |
Group of people, office, institution, etc. |
Pertaining to |
-as, -al, -ar, -ary. -ic, -ical, -ous, and -ile |
Suffix -ism
The -ism suffix comes from Ancient Greek. It is used to form action nouns from verbs. They mean some kind of practice, action, principles, doctrines, devotion, adherence, etc.
Examples:
- Baptism, aphorism, criticism, Lutherism, Protestantism, Palamism, atheism, fanaticism, capitalism, nationalism, romanticism, vegetarianism, Atticism, Americanism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, daturism, rheumatism, etc.
Suffix -ous
The suffix -ous is used for adjectives. It means that something is full, or a form of possession. It also means that something has a given quality.
Examples:
- Dangerous, famous, various, enormous, courageous, jealous, glorious, superfluous, obvious, hideous, tremendous, curious, etc.
Suffix -al
The suffix -al is commonly used to make adjectives out of nouns. It means kid of, pertaining to, having a form or character of something.
Examples:
- Seasonal, sensual, official, commercial, individual, spiritual, annual, essential, celestial, usual, racial, intellectual, financial, classical, etc.
Suffix -ist
The suffix –ist is used for nouns. It means a person who performs a specific action, produces something specific, plays a specific instrument, holds a specific value, has a specific doctrine, and others.
Examples:
- Archaeologist, activist, evangelist, anthropologist, capitalist, communist, Marxist, fascist, nationalist, conformist, machinist, novelist, cyclist, masochist, etc.
Suffix -able
The suffix -able is commonly used for adjectives. I refers to someone or something that is capable of something, susceptible of, fit for, tending or given to something.
Examples:
- Movable, amendable, breakable, flammable, amicable, pleasurable, impressionable, payable, reportable, detestable, capable, punishable, fashionable, taxable, etc.
Suffix -ic
The suffix -ic is used to create adjectives out of other words. It originally comes from Greek and Latin, and it means that something, or someone, has the characteristic of something else.
Examples:
- Acidic, episodic, comedic, melodic, nomadic, periodic, idiotic, psychotic, patriotic, athletic, poetic, magnetic, emphatic, kinetic, prosthetic, chaotic, narcotic, academic, economic, etc.
Suffix -ion
The suffix -ion is of Latin origin. It denotes and action or condition, and it is often used to form nouns out of adjectives.
Examples:
- Acceleration, devotion, religion, ration, concentration, communion, diffusion, delusion, illusion, fabrication, hydration, meditation, infusion, levitation, gestation, reaction, invigoration, etc.
Suffix -tion
The suffix –tion is used to form nouns. They mean an action of something, or the result of something.
Examples:
- Deletion, ignition, determination, resolution, action, justification, intersection, connection, gumption, communication, starvation, construction, relation, temptation, revolution, etc.
Suffix -ed
The suffix -ed is very versatile. It can be used in three different ways: 1) to form the past tense for weak verbs, 2) to form adjectives out of nouns or verbs to describe someone or something, 3) added to nouns or verbs in order to form compound adjectives that are hyphenated.
Examples:
- 1) Acted, danced, posted, lived, wanted, hated, played, tried, named, called, walked, talked, used, created, etc.
- 2) bearded, colored, angered, triggered, used, rugged, incorporated, incarcerated, floored, stoned, etc.
- 3) cone-shaped, green-tinted, loose-fitted, off-handed, amateur-produced, well-defined, etc.
Suffix -ly
The suffix -ly is added to various words depending on the purpose. It can be added to adverbs to form adjectives, or to nouns in order for them to mean something that is repeated in certain intervals.
Examples:
- Gladly, gradually, secondly, thirdly, essentially, boldly, bravely, carefully, generously, lowly, shortly, angrily, anxiously, suddenly, generally, etc.
- Hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly
Suffix -ness
The suffix -ness is very common and is used often. It is used on adjectives and principles, in order to create abstract nouns that denote a quality or a state.
Examples:
- Happiness, kindness, darkness, preparedness, consciousness, effectiveness, callousness, laziness, loneliness, ugliness, fitness, dryness, baldness, etc.
Suffix -er
The suffix -er is used in many different ways, and is a common suffix in English. It can be attached to verbs in order to create an agent noun that describes a person doing a specific action. It can also be used to create nouns that describe a person’s job, location or origin, or a special characteristic.
Examples:
- Caterer, Icelander, southerner, villager, tattooer, cobbler, reader, rapper, creditor, auditor, editor, recruiter, rider, writer, educator, calculator, spectator, infiltrator, catcher, staffer, etc.
Suffix -ate
The suffix -ate is added often to nouns, adjective, and verbs. When it is added to nouns it denotes a group of people, an office or institution, or administrative region. When it is added to verbs it changes the verb to mean that something is caused to change. When added to adjectives it means that something is showing or full of something.
Examples:
- Electorate, caliphate, protectorate, consulate, magistrate, regulate, vacate, activate, disseminate, obfuscate, confiscate, passionate, considerate, obstinate, celibate, etc.
Suffixes that mean Pertaining To
There are multiple suffixes that mean something pertains to something else. These are: -as, -al, -ar, -ary. -ic, -ical, -ous, and -ile. Some words incorporate more than one suffix.
Examples:
- Clinical, surgical, conscious, versatile, necessary, sub-par, etc.
BANK ACCOUNT SUFFIX
What does Bank account Suffix mean?
Account numbers and card numbers are divided into sections. While the prefix denotes the bank issuing the card, the body is the account numbers, and the suffix is the account type.
The suffix is important because it lets the bank know which type of account is being used, and that way customers can’t access operations not approved for the type of account. The suffix is made up of two to three numbers.
Different numbers describe a different type of account. There are various types of accounts, and each has a unique number profile for a specific bank.
Examples:
- Cheque account – 00, Number 2 account – 02, Fixed account – 03, Savings account – 30, Credit card account – 40, Thrift club account – 50, Term deposit account – 81
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👉 Combining Forms
When you are learning the different types of prefixes, it is important to remember that not every word containing these combinations is a prefix. Sometimes words have ‘combining forms’, which look very similar to prefixes but work differently!
Let me explain….
As you know, a prefix is a letter or a group of letters that appears at the beginning of words, but it can also be removed from the base word, and the word would still be a word without it, even if the meaning changes.
For example, non- means ‘not’ or ‘without’, this is used in words such as ‘nonsense’. The word ‘sense‘ can be separated from the prefix and it would still be a word on its own, even if the meaning is different.
Combining forms are similar to prefixes, and are sometimes known as ‘chameleon prefixes’, because they act like them and appear at the beginning of words like them, BUT the combining form is intrinsic to the word, meaning it is a part of the word and cannot be removed.
They are called ‘chameleons’, because they change their spelling and physical form to suit the word they are attached to!
So, combining forms act as prefixes but are different, because the remaining letters cannot be separated to form an independent word.
Here are some examples of prefixes that are also ‘combining forms’:
PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLE | COMBINING FORM | MEANING | EXAMPLE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
com-, con- | with, alongside | comprise, connote | com-, con- | with, jointly | companion, comrade, community |
contra- | against | contraindicate | contra- | against | contraceptive, contradict |
de- | opposite | devalue | de- | down, away | descend |
ex- | former | ex-husband | ex- | out | exhort |
a- | not, without | amoral | a-, an- | not, without | apathy, anaemic |
in- | not | inconvenient | in- | into | inebriate, indulge |
homo- | same | homograph, homophone | homo- | same | homogeneous |
magn- | great | magnate | magn- | great | magnificent, magnanimous, magnitude, magnify |
para- | beside | paragraph, paramedic | para- | beside | paradox |
sub- | under | submarine | sub- | under | substitute |
trans- | across | transnational, transparent | trans- | through, across | transmit, transcend |
tri- | three | triangle, tripod | tri- | three | triceps, triathlon |
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Prefixes and suffixes are not words. They are groups of letters added to words. They change the meanings of words. We add prefixes to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. For example, un + happy becomes unhappy, meaning not happy. Suffixes go at the end of words. They change a word’s meaning, and sometimes they change the word’s part of speech. For example, beauty + ful becomes beautiful, meaning full of beauty. Beauty is a noun, but beautiful is an adjective. In this posting I give you some of the most common prefixes and suffixes. In addition, I give you their meanings and some example words. The download at the end will give you additional practice using prefixes and suffixes.
Here is the lesson I taught on Prefixes in English:
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Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word. They change the meaning of the word, but not its part of speech. Below are some common prefixes, their meanings, and example words.
- a (not or opposite)–atypical
- un (not or opposite)–unsafe, unlock, unhappy
- re (again, back)–reread, return
- in (into, not)–invade, inexpensive
- im (into, not–used when the root or regular word begins with the letters m or p)–important, immoral
- ir (not–used when the rood word begins with the letter r)–irregular, irrational
- il (not–used when the rood word begins with the letter l)–illegal, illogical
- dis (not, away)–disagree, distrust, discredit
- em, en (causes something to happen)–employ, enjoy
- non (not)–nonsense, nonverbal
- over (too much)–oversleep
- mis (wrong)–mistake, misjudge
- sub (under)–submarine
- pre (before)–preschool, preview, prepay
- inter (between, among)–interstate, international
- fore (before)–forecast
- de, dis (opposite of, not)–decaffeinated, disapprove
- trans (across, move between)–transatlantic, transfer
- super (above)–superstore, supervise
- semi (half)–semifinal, semicircle
- anti (against)–antifreeze, antibiotic
- mid (middle) Midwest, midnight
- under (too little, not enough)–underfed, underweight
- co (with)–copilot, cooperation
- post (after)–postpone, post-natal
- para (beside)–paramedic
- tri (three)–triangle
- uni (one)–universe, universal
Study English Prefixes here with flashcards
Here is the lesson I taught on Suffixes in English
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Suffixes go at the end of words. A suffix always changes the meaning of the root word. It sometimes changes the part of speech as well. Here are some common suffixes, their meanings, and example words. They are arranged by part of speech.
Suffixes that make words nouns
- acy (state or quality)–democracy, accuracy
- ance, ence (state or quality of)–tolerance, independence
- dom (state of being or state of mind)–freedom, boredom
- er, or, ist, ian, eer (one who does something)–teacher, doctor, hair stylist, comedian, engineer
- ty, ity (quality)–honesty, clarity
- ment (condition)–argument
- ness (state of being)–happiness, heaviness
- ship (condition, position held)–friendship, internship, citizenship
- sion, tion (state of being)–obsession, position, promotion
Suffixes that make words verbs
- ate (become)–create, collaborate, cooperate
- en (become)–sharpen, loosen, strengthen
- ify, fy (make or become)–satisfy, justify
- ize (become)–realize, publicize
Suffixes that make words adjectives
- able, ible (capable of being)– edible, incredible, capable
- al (having to form of character of, pertaining to)–national, thermal, herbal
- ful (full of)–playful, hopeful, beautiful
- ic, ical ( having the form or character of)–comic, musical
- ious, ous (characterized by, having the quality of)–jealous, religious, ridiculous
- ish (having the quality of, being like)–childish, sheepish
- ive (having the nature of)–attentive, informative
- less (without)–homeless, hopeless
Suffixes that make words adverbs
- ly (in the manner of)–slowly, happily, softly
- ward, wards (in the direction of)–backwards, towards, inward
- wise (in relation to)–otherwise, likewise, clockwise
Grammatical suffixes
These suffixes change the meaning of the root word, but not the part of speech
- s, es–These suffixes make nous plural–hotels, dishes
- ed–This suffix indicates a verb in the past tense–looked, walked
- ing–This is a marker for the present progressive tense–going, looking
Words with both prefixes and suffixes
Many words have both a prefix and a suffix. Here are some examples, with example sentences.
- unhappily — She walked home unhappily (not in a happy manner) after she failed the math test.
- rereading — I finally understood the chapter after my third rereading of it. ( I had to read it over three times)
- uninteresting –That movie was very uninteresting. I fell asleep! (I was very bored during the movie.)
- unusually –She was unusually tired after work. Maybe she’s getting sick. (She was much more tired than she usually is after work)
- forecasting —Forecasting the weather is a difficult science. (It is difficult to predict the weather.)
Study English Suffixes with these flashcards
You now know many common English prefixes and suffixes. Prefixes go in front of words. They change the meaning of the root word, but not the part of speech. Suffixes go at the end of words. They change the meaning of the root word, and quite often the part of speech, as well. Prefixes and suffixes are very common in English. Perhaps many of the are the same or similar in your language. Now that you know many common prefixes and suffixes in English, it will be easier for you to form and understand many English words. the download will give you additional practice using prefixes and suffixes.
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Idioms of the day
- to go along for the ride — This means to go someplace with someone, but not take any part in the activity, You can use this expression even if you are walking. My friend and I went shopping. I did not plan to buy anything. I just went along for the ride.
- a hop, skip, and a jump — This means a very short distance. When you go to see your mother, stop by my house and visit me. I only live a hop,skip, and a jump from her.
I’ve been teaching prefixes for many years to help my students increase their English vocabulary. I used my experience and some extra research to write this detailed study of how to use Over and Under as Prefixes.
Over is used as a prefix to mean excessively or too much
“The airport said my suitcase is overweight.” – it weighs too much.
Under is used as a prefix to mean below or not enough
“This steak is undercooked.” – it is not cooked enough.
Over – prefix = excessively or too much |
overweight – weigh too much (adjective) |
overconfident – be excessively [too] confident (adjective) |
overeat – eat too much (verb) |
Under – prefix = below or not enough |
underwater – below the surface of the water (adjective) |
undercooked – not cooked enough (adjective) |
underqualified – not having enough qualifications (adjective) |
Do you know what a prefix is? A prefix is: a letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning, such as un- in unhappy and pre- in preheat
LINK
OVER as a Prefix
The prefix over can be added to verbs, nouns, and adjectives to show that something is too much or it was done more than we need.
overcook (verb) to cook something too much
overachiever (noun) someone who tries too hard to be successful at work
overrated (adjective) rated too high
If your luggage is too heavy when you weigh it at the airport, your bags are overweight. (Overweight is an adjective.)
If you eat too much at a buffet and now your stomach hurts, it may be because you overate. (Overate is the past tense of the verb overeat.)
Both these words (overweight – overeat) show that something is too much or was done too much.
Let me give you a few more examples of how we use these words in natural sentences.
- “I can’t believe my team lost the league championship after we played such a great season. I guess we thought the final would be easy so we were overconfident.”
= excessively (too) confident
- “Some people have actually died from overwork! Remember to keep time in your life for fun too!”
Overwork is a noun in this sentence. Overwork can also be a verb.
- “Work hard but be careful not to overwork.”
OVER can also mean COMPLETELY or totally
- “I was overjoyed when I found out that I won a free vacation!” = completely happy
Did you know? Verbs have a Past Participle form that can be used as an adjective. Learn more at my post: Use Past Participles The Right Way (25 examples + PDF list)
UNDER as a Prefix
The prefix under can be added to verbs, nouns, and adjectives to show that something is below a certain level or it is not enough for our needs
undercook (verb) to not cook something enough
undergraduate (noun) a first-level university student
underhanded (adjective) secret and dishonest
You may already know some common words that use this prefix.
underground
underwater
These words talk about a position or location, they mean below ground and below the surface of the water.
Let me give you a few more examples of how we use UNDER as a prefix where the meaning is NOT ENOUGH
“I’m gonna send this hamburger back. It’s undercooked.” = not cooked enough
(Undercooked is an adjective.)
Increase your vocabulary with the suffix ~ OUS
“Peter applied for a new job but he was underqualified.” = Peter doesn’t have enough qualifications for this job
(Underqualified is an adjective.)
“I think that Batman vs Superman was a good movie. It’s underrated in my opinion.” I think it’s not rated high enough. People are unfairly judging the movie (in my opinion)
Undercooked, underqualified, and underrated are adjectives.
Some people who work very hard at their job but feel like they don’t get enough money might say:
- “I’m overworked and underpaid.”
– both of these words are adjectives.
20 more examples of words with the prefixes OVER and UNDER
Definitions from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/
I chose 10 words for each prefix, but there are hundreds to choose from. For this list, I have chosen words that I have used, heard, or read in the news recently.
The website The Free Dictionary dot com has a much longer list if you would like to take a look. (Links at the bottom of each list.)
10 words with the prefix OVER (+ 1)
overdo – to do too much (verb)
My back is really sore today. I think I overdid it at the gym yesterday.
overdone – done too much (adjective)
This steak is overdone. (= cooked too much)
oversee – to watch somebody/something and make sure that a job or an activity is done correctly (verb)
The architect oversaw the building of the model house.
①overlook – to fail to see or notice something (verb X3)
We should not overlook this possibility.
②overlook – to see something wrong or bad but decide to ignore it
I can overlook your mistakes this time but please be more careful in the future.
③overlook – if a building, etc. overlooks a place, you can see that place from the building
My wife and I had dinner at a great restaurant overlooking the ocean.
overachiever – a person who tries too hard to be successful in their work (noun)
Spencer comes in early and works overtime every day. He is such an overachiever.
overbearing – trying to control other people in an unpleasant way (adjective)
I feel bad for Ken. His mother is really overbearing.
overhaul – an examination of a machine or system, including doing repairs on it or making changes to it (noun)
I’m going to do an overhaul of my entire website.
overhaul – to examine every part of a machine, system, etc. and make any necessary changes or repairs (verb)
We need to overhaul the car’s engine. It’s gonna be expensive.
①override – to use your authority to reject somebody’s decision, order, etc. (verb X3)
The chairman overrode the committee’s objections and signed the agreement.
②override – to be more important than something
Safety concerns override all other issues.
③override – to interrupt the action of a device that usually works by itself in order to control it yourself
I had to override my computer after I forgot my password.
overcharge – to make somebody pay too much for something (verb)
It’s a popular nightclub but they will overcharge you on the drinks if you don’t watch the bartenders carefully.
overturn – overturn something to officially decide that a legal decision, etc. is not correct, and to make it no longer legally recognized (verb)
The verdict was overturned by the appeal court.
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/words-that-start-with-over
10 words with the prefix UNDER
undergo – to experience something, especially a change or something unpleasant (verb)
– New COVID-19 vaccines are currently undergoing trials in Asia.
underway – having started (adjective)
New vaccine trials are underway.
undertake – to make yourself responsible for something and start doing it (verb)
This task has been undertaken by a group of new employees.
underhanded – secret and dishonest (adjective)
Too many leaders and business owners are involved in underhanded deals.
underprivileged – having less money and fewer opportunities than most people in society (adjective)
We need more programs in place to support the underprivileged in our society.
underlying – important in a situation but not always easily noticed or stated clearly (adjective)
Unemployment may be an underlying cause of the rising crime rate.
undermine – to make something, especially somebody’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective (verb)
Budget cuts have undermined our efforts to vaccinate more people.
undergraduate – a university or college student who is studying for their first degree *This is commonly shortened to undergrad. (noun)
I teach language communication to undergrads at university.
underdog – a person, team, country, etc. that is thought to be in a weaker position than others and therefore not likely to be successful, win a competition, etc. (noun)
In politics, he was a champion of the underdog (= always fought for the rights of weaker people).
underage – done by people who are too young by law (adjective)
The police shut down the party due to all the underage drinking.
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/words-that-start-with-under
Over and Under as prefixes PDF E-guide (free!)
Do you know any other words that use the prefixes over or under? Write them in the comments.
Keep growing your English vocabulary with Prefixes and Suffixes! Find more great posts right HERE >> Prefixes – Suffixes
English prefixes are affixes (i.e., bound morphemes that provide lexical meaning) that are added before either simple roots or complex bases (or operands) consisting of (a) a root and other affixes, (b) multiple roots, or (c) multiple roots and other affixes. Examples of these follow:
English words may consist of multiple prefixes: anti-pseudo-classicism (containing both an anti- prefix and a pseudo- prefix).
In English, all prefixes are derivational. This contrasts with English suffixes, which may be either derivational or inflectional.