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.

PrefixMeaningExample
Anti-AgainstAntifreeze, antithesis
De-OppositeDecode, decompose
Dis-Not, opposite ofDisconnect, disembark
Em-Cause toEmbrace, emphasis
En-Cause toEncode, encounter
Fore-BeforeForecast, foresight
In-İnInfield, infiltrate
Im-İnImbalance
In-, im-, il-, ir-NotInjustice, impossible, irregular
Inter-BetweenInternational, interact
Mid-MiddleMidday, midway
Mis-WronglyMisfire, misunderstand
Non-NotNonsense, nonexist
Over-OverOverlook, overdue
Pre-BeforePrefix, preschool
Re-AgainRegain, return, rebuild
Semi-HalfSemifinal, semicircle
Sub-UnderSubeditor, subterranean
Super-Above,Superman, superstar
Trans-AcrossTransatlantic, transport
Un-NotUnfriendly, unsatisfied
Under-UnderUnderstand, undersea





Here are Common Number Prefixes, Meanings and Examples

GreekLatinMeaningExamples
Mono-uni1monotheism, universe, uniform, unicorn, monotone
Dibi– du2binary, bimonthly, binoculars, duo, düet
Tritri3tricycle, triad, triathlon, triangle, tripod, triumvirate, triple
Tetraquadri– quart4quadriplegic, quadrangle, quadruple, quarter
Pentaquin5pentagon, quintet, quintuplet
Hexasext6hexagon, hexameter, sextuplet, sextet
Heptaseptem– septi7heptagon, heptameter, heptagon, septuagenarian
Octoocta– oct8octagon, octogenarian, octopus, octahedron
Enneanovem9novena
Decadeci– decem10decade, decagon, decahedron, decimal
Hemisemi-Halfhemisphere, semicircle, semicolon, semifinal, semiannual
PolymultiManypolygon, polygamy, polyester, polymer, polynomial
Hectocent– cente100cent, centennial, centurion, centenary, cent
Kilo-milli-­ mille-1000kilogram, kilometer, kilobyte, milligram

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