1. What is a prefix?
You must understand what a root word is in order to understand what a prefix is.
- A root word is a word you can change into a new word by adding a beginning and/or an ending.
- A prefix is a beginning that is added to a root word.
For example, take the root word “purpose.” By adding the prefix “multi” to “purpose,” the new word “multipurpose” is formed.
Every prefix has its own meaning. When added to a root word, a prefix changes the meaning of the root word to which it is added. The root word “purpose” means “an aim or a goal one wishes to achieve.” The prefix “multi” means “many.” The new word “multipurpose” means “designed or used for many purposes.”
Learning to identify prefixes and knowing their meanings are great ways to expand your vocabulary. An expanded vocabulary will increase your listening and speaking comprehension. It will also help you communicate more effectively when writing or taking tests.
Some Common Prefixes
Here are some common prefixes. The meaning of each prefix is shown, as well as words that can be formed by adding the prefix to root words. Using these prefixes and others will expand your vocabulary.
| Prefix | Meaning of Prefix | Words Formed Using the Prefix |
| re | again | replay, resend, replace |
| hyper | over | hyperactive, hypersensitive, hyperventilate |
| un | not | unclear, unsure, undecided |
| tri | three | triangle, tricycle, triweekly |
| pre | before | prepay, prepackage, predate |
| mis | wrong | misconduct, misspell, misunderstand |
| sub | below | subway, substandard, submarine |
Some More Prefixes
Here are some more prefixes and their meanings. You can add these prefixes to many root words to form new words and expand your vocabulary.
| Prefix | Meaning | Prefix | Meaning |
| ante | before | auto | self |
| bi | two | circum | around |
| equi | equal | im | not |
| hypo | under | inter | between |
| neo | new | omni | all |
| poly | many | retro | backward |
| semi | half | trans | across |
2. Note to remember:
- When you see a prefix whose meaning you do not know, look up its meaning in a dictionary.
- Write the prefix and its meaning where you can refer to it easily and often.
- Review the meaning of these prefixes from time to time.
- Form words by adding these prefixes to root words.
- Use these words when you speak and write.
3. Number Prefixes
Number prefixes are prefixes that are derived from numbers or numerals. They are used to create some words you will encounter. Recognizing these prefixes and the numbers they represent will help you to learn and better understand the meanings of such words
Here are prefixes that represent the numbers 1 though 10. Next to each prefix are examples of words that are formed using the number prefix, along with the meanings of the words.
| 1 | mono | monologue | A long speech or performance given by one person. |
| monorail | A railroad track that has only one rail. | ||
| 1 | uni | unicorn | An imaginary animal that has one horn. |
| unicycle | A pedaled vehicle that has one wheel. | ||
| 2 | bi | bicycle | A pedaled vehicle that has two wheels. |
| biennial | An event that occurs every two years. | ||
| 2 | du | duet | A piece of music written for two singers or musical instruments. |
| duplex | A house divided into two units with separate entrances. | ||
| 3 | tri | triangle | A plane figure that has three angles and three sides. |
| tricycle | A pedaled vehicle that has three wheels. | ||
| 4 | quad | quadrangle | A plane figure that has four angles and four sides. |
| quadruple | A number or amount four times as great as another. | ||
| 5 | penta | pentagon | A plane figure that has five angles and five sides. |
| pentathlon | An athletic contest that consists of five events. | ||
| 5 | quint | quintet | A group of five persons or things. |
| quintuplets | Five children born at the same time to the same mother. | ||
| 6 | hexa | hexagon | A plane figure that has six angles and six sides. |
| hexagram | A six-pointed star. | ||
| 7 | sept | septenary | A period of seven years. |
| septennial | An event that occurs every seven years. | ||
| 8 | oct | octet | The first eight lines in a sonnet. |
| octopus | A saltwater animal with eight arms. | ||
| 9 | nov | November | The ninth month of the year in the ancient Roman calendar. |
| novena | Nine days of prayers or services. | ||
| 10 | deca | decade | A period of ten years. |
| decathlon | An athletic contest that consists of ten events. | ||
You can expand your vocabulary by recognizing these number prefixes when they appear at the beginnings of words.
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