Powerful Prefixes

A prefix is a letter or a group of letters that appears at the beginning of a word and changes the word’s original meaning.


Let’s look at some of the most commonly used prefixes and the meaning they impart…

(1) Anti – gives the meaning against

Some anti words are Antibiotic, Anticlimax, Antisocial, Antihero…

(2) De – gives the meaning Opposite

Some de words are Defrost, Defame, Descent, Decode….

(3) Dis -gives the meaning Not / Opposite of

Some dis words are Disagree, Disapprove, Disrespect, Discover…

(4) Re – gives the meaning again

Some dis words are Return, Regain ..

(5) Sub – gives the meaning under

Some sub words are Subconscious, Submarine, Submerge, Subordinate..

(6) Ex – gives the meaning former

Some ex words are Ex husband, Ex mayor, Ex President….

(7) Un – gives the meaning Not

Some Un words are Unhappy, Unforgettable,Unaffordable, Uncertain…

(8) Mis – gives the meaning hatred or incorrectly

Some mis words are Misadventure, Misanthropy, Misconception, Misfortune….

(9) Semi – gives the meaning half

Some semi words are Semicircle, Semiconscious, Semiautomatic, Semiskilled…

(10) Mid -gives the meaning middle

Some mid words are Midday, Midway, Midair, Midcourse…


To get more practice, click here.

Alice Moore