Sharing is caring!
If you’ve studied the English language, then there’s a good chance that you have heard about prefixes. A prefix is a group of letters which can be added to the beginning of a word. A prefix cannot be used alone, and using one will change the meaning of the word it is attached to. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- I’m uncomfortable with speaking Italian. I need to study and practise more often. [Un- + comfortable = not comfortable]
- The boy felt demotivated after he failed his test. He thought he would get a better grade. [de- + motivated = opposite of motivated]
- Have you watched the new ‘Mission Impossible’film? Tom Cruise does his own stunts! [Im– + possible = not possible]
There are many prefixes in the English language, but today we’re going to take a look at 12 of the most common ones.
Prefix | Meaning | Example |
| 1. Anti- | Against | Antisocial |
| 2. De- | Opposite | Demotivated |
| 3. Un- | Not | Unhappy |
| 4. Dis- | Not, opposite of | Disagree |
| 5. Im- | Not | Impolite |
| 6. Mid- | Middle | Midday |
| 7. Mis- | Wrongly | Misunderstand |
| 8. Over- | Over | Overenthusiastic |
| 9. Pre- | Before | Prehistoric |
| 10. Re- | Again | Rewrite |
| 11. Super- | Above, beyond | Superhuman |
| 12. Under | Under | Underestimate |
Want to check how well you know your prefixes, and perhaps discover a few more? Check out these 5 free English lessons to get started.
Interested inlearning English abroad? EC English operates language schools all around the world!
Find yourInspirationMotivationVisionVoice
Let's start your journey to learning English.
About EC
Every year we help students from over 140 countries to achieve their language goals and realise their dreams at our amazing English schools across the world.
Start Your Language Learning Journey Today!
Get information on our destinations, schools and English courses.
