Prefix

usgb/ˈpriːfɪks/
noun

A group of letters added at the start of a word to change its meaning.

In the word 'unhappy', 'un-' is a prefix which means 'not'.
Visual representation of "prefix" - A group of letters added at the start of a word to change its meaning.

Often appears as...

  • prefix un-
  • prefix dis-
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "prefix"
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Meaning Alteration

Prefixes transform words into antonyms or give them a new meaning.

Illustration for Meaning Alteration
Adding 'dis-' to 'agree' forms 'disagree', indicating opposition.
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Common Prefixes

Some prefixes are really common and appear in many English words.

Illustration for Common Prefixes
'Pre-' is a common prefix in 'preview', meaning 'before'.
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No Spelling Change

Adding a prefix doesn't typically change the spelling of the root word.

Illustration for No Spelling Change
'Un-' + 'known' stays as 'unknown' with no spelling change.
Visual representation of the word "Prefix"

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