Prefix
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2024-02-28

A prefix is a word part that is added to the beginning of a base word to create a new word with a different meaning. It is a type of affix, which is a group of letters added to a word to change its meaning or function. Prefixes can change the tense, form, or meaning of a word.
Here are some common prefixes and their meanings:
1. Un-: This prefix means "not" or "opposite of." It is used to create words with a negative or opposite meaning.
   Examples: 
   - Unhappy (not happy)
   - Unfair (not fair)
   - Unfriendly (not friendly)
2. Re-: This prefix means "again" or "back." It is used to indicate repetition or returning to a previous state.
   Examples:
   - Rebuild (build again)
   - Reconnect (connect again)
   - Replay (play again)
3. Dis-: This prefix means "not" or "lack of." It is used to create words with a negative or opposite meaning.
   Examples:
   - Dislike (not like)
   - Disagree (not agree)
   - Disorganized (lack of organization)
4. Pre-: This prefix means "before" or "prior to." It is used to indicate something that occurs before or in advance.
   Examples:
   - Prepaid (paid in advance)
   - Preheat (heat before cooking)
   - Prehistoric (occurring before recorded history)
5. Mis-: This prefix means "wrong" or "badly." It is used to indicate something that is done incorrectly or in a wrong way.
   Examples:
   - Misunderstand (not understand correctly)
   - Misbehave (behave badly)
   - Mislead (lead in the wrong direction)
6. Ex-: This prefix means "out of" or "former." It is used to indicate something that was once a certain way or has moved away from a previous state.
   Examples:
   - Exhale (breathe out)
   - Ex-president (former president)
   - Ex-boyfriend (former boyfriend)
7. Over-: This prefix means "too much" or "beyond." It is used to indicate an excessive or surpassing amount.
   Examples:
   - Overeat (eat too much)
   - Overload (load beyond capacity)
   - Overreact (react excessively)
These are just a few examples of the many prefixes in the English language. By understanding the meanings of common prefixes, you can expand your vocabulary and decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words more easily.