50 Examples of Prefixes, Definition and Examples

English 50 Examples of Prefixes, Definition and Examples

English 50 Examples of Prefixes, Definition and Examples




Prefixes are used to change the meaning of a word. A syllable word or group of syllables added to the beginning of a word. Prefixes help to add meaning to words and make it possible to create new words that are easily understood everywhere. Understanding a few prefix examples will help you understand the logic of new words and use them appropriately.

For example, consider the prefix de-. This prefix means getting something back.  It is usually added to a verb.  You can then activate the verb. Likewise, you can parse, add to other verbs.

Prefix Meaning Example
Anti- Against Antifreeze, antithesis
De- Opposite Decode, decompose
Dis- Not, opposite of Disconnect, disembark
Em- Cause to Embrace, emphasis
En- Cause to Encode, encounter
Fore- Before Forecast, foresight
In- İn Infield, infiltrate
Im- İn Imbalance
In-, im-, il-, ir- Not Injustice, impossible, irregular
Inter- Between International, interact
Mid- Middle Midday, midway
Mis- Wrongly Misfire, misunderstand
Non- Not Nonsense, nonexist
Over- Over Overlook, overdue
Pre- Before Prefix, preschool
Re- Again Regain, return, rebuild
Semi- Half Semifinal, semicircle
Sub- Under Subeditor, subterranean
Super- Above, Superman, superstar
Trans- Across Transatlantic, transport
Un- Not Unfriendly, unsatisfied
Under- Under Understand, undersea





Here are Common Number Prefixes, Meanings and Examples

Greek Latin Meaning Examples
Mono- uni 1 monotheism, universe, uniform, unicorn, monotone
Di bi– du 2 binary, bimonthly, binoculars, duo, düet
Tri tri 3 tricycle, triad, triathlon, triangle, tripod, triumvirate, triple
Tetra quadri– quart 4 quadriplegic, quadrangle, quadruple, quarter
Penta quin 5 pentagon, quintet, quintuplet
Hexa sext 6 hexagon, hexameter, sextuplet, sextet
Hepta septem– septi 7 heptagon, heptameter, heptagon, septuagenarian
Octo octa– oct 8 octagon, octogenarian, octopus, octahedron
Ennea novem 9 novena
Deca deci– decem 10 decade, decagon, decahedron, decimal
Hemi semi- Half hemisphere, semicircle, semicolon, semifinal, semiannual
Poly multi Many polygon, polygamy, polyester, polymer, polynomial
Hecto cent– cente 100 cent, centennial, centurion, centenary, cent
Kilo- milli-­ mille- 1000 kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte, milligram