Prefixes

A prefix is a short group of letters that goes at the start of a word. Adding a prefix changes the meaning of the word. For example, adding 'un' to 'happy' makes 'unhappy'. Prefixes help us build new words quickly.

Common Prefixes

Many prefixes are used in English. 'Re' means again, so 'redo' means do again. 'Pre' means before, like in 'preview'. 'Un' and 'dis' both mean not, like in 'unsafe' and 'dislike'. 'Mis' means wrong, like in 'misspell'. Knowing these can help you understand new words.

Why Prefixes Help

Prefixes make learning English easier. If you know what a prefix means, you can figure out words you have never seen. For example, if you know 'tri' means three, then 'triangle' makes sense. Many prefixes come from Latin or Greek. Scientists and doctors use prefixes a lot in their words.

Fun Facts

• The prefix 'bi' means two, as in 'bicycle' with two wheels.
• The longest English word starts with the prefix 'pneumono'.
• Some prefixes can be added to almost any word.

Did You Know?

The prefix 'super' means above or beyond. That is why super heroes are called super heroes. They have powers beyond normal people.