Prefixes 2 - Adding Prefixes

Generally, prefixes are added to root words to give a different meaning. For instance, ‘im’ means 'opposite of' and when it is added to MORAL, it becomes IMMORAL, which is the opposite of moral. We can modify a word’s meaning to become negative by adding a prefix to a word. When we add UN to NATURAL and form UNNATURAL we get a new word with a different meaning. We can also indicate a repetition by adding a prefix to a word. When we add RE to CALIBRATE and form RECALIBRATE we get a new word. We can also signal support by adding a prefix to a word. When we add PRO to ACTIVE and form PROACTIVE we get a new word. We notice that the new word so formed reflects the meaning of the prefix used.

In the previous quiz we learnt about prefixes such as in, un, mis, dis and anti, and the new words formed by them such as 'informal', 'unhappy', 'mistrust,' 'disease' and 'antisocial.' The quiz that follows exposes you to many more words that are formed by adding prefixes.