Prefixes are an essential part of English vocabulary. They are added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Learning prefixes will help you expand your vocabulary, understand word formation, and improve your reading and writing skills.
In this article, we will explore what prefixes are, the different types of prefixes, and how they are used in words, along with examples and a quiz to test your understanding.
What is a Prefix?
A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.
Examples:
- Happy → Unhappy (adds “un-” to make the opposite)
- Appear → Disappear (adds “dis-” to change meaning)
- Rewrite → Write again (adds “re-” to show repetition)
Prefixes help modify words, making them negative, showing repetition, direction, or degree.
Types of Prefixes in English
There are four main types of prefixes based on their function:
- Negative Prefixes – Show negation or opposite meaning.
- Number Prefixes – Indicate numbers or quantity.
- Time & Order Prefixes – Show repetition or sequence.
- Size & Degree Prefixes – Indicate amount, size, or importance.
1. Negative Prefixes (Show Opposites or Negation)
These prefixes make a word negative or opposite in meaning.
| Prefix | Meaning | Example Words |
|---|---|---|
| Un- | Not, opposite of | Unhappy, Unfair, Unlucky |
| Dis- | Reverse, not | Disagree, Disappear, Disconnect |
| In- / Im- / Il- / Ir- | Not | Incomplete, Impossible, Illegal, Irregular |
| Non- | Not | Nonstop, Nonexistent, Nonverbal |
| Mis- | Wrongly | Misunderstand, Mislead, Misplace |
Examples in Sentences:
- The decision was unfair to everyone.
- The magician made the rabbit disappear.
- It seemed impossible, but he did it.
2. Number Prefixes (Show Quantity or Order)
These prefixes indicate numbers or numerical order.
| Prefix | Meaning | Example Words |
|---|---|---|
| Mono- | One, single | Monologue, Monorail, Monochrome |
| Bi- | Two | Bicycle, Bilingual, Biweekly |
| Tri- | Three | Tricycle, Triangle, Triplet |
| Quad- | Four | Quadrant, Quadruple, Quadrilateral |
| Multi- | Many | Multitask, Multicultural, Multinational |
| Poly- | Many | Polygon, Polyglot, Polyester |
Examples in Sentences:
- She rides her bicycle to school.
- A triangle has three sides.
- He can multitask very well at work.
3. Time & Order Prefixes (Show Sequence or Repetition)
These prefixes relate to time, sequence, or repetition.
| Prefix | Meaning | Example Words |
|---|---|---|
| Pre- | Before | Prepaid, Preview, Precaution |
| Post- | After | Postgraduate, Postpone, Postwar |
| Re- | Again | Rewrite, Rebuild, Replay |
| Ex- | Former | Ex-president, Ex-husband, Ex-colleague |
Examples in Sentences:
- He bought a prepaid phone card.
- The event was postponed due to rain.
- She had to rewrite her essay.
4. Size & Degree Prefixes (Show Amount or Intensity)
These prefixes indicatesize, amount, or importance.
| Prefix | Meaning | Example Words |
|---|---|---|
| Super- | Above, great | Supermarket, Superstar, Superhuman |
| Over- | Too much | Overwork, Overheat, Overestimate |
| Under- | Too little | Underpaid, Underestimate, Underdeveloped |
| Hyper- | Excessive | Hyperactive, Hypersensitive, Hypertension |
| Sub- | Below | Subway, Submarine, Subzero |
| Mini- | Small | Miniskirt, Minivan, Miniature |
Examples in Sentences:
- They went to the supermarket to buy groceries.
- She got sick due to overwork.
- They collected miniature cars.
Quiz: Prefixes in English Grammar
1. Which prefix means “not” or “opposite”?
a) Pre-
b) Un-
c) Re-
2. Which word means “to do again”?
a) Rebuild
b) Unbuild
c) Overbuild
3. What is the correct meaning of “monolingual”?
a) Speaking two languages
b) Speaking one language
c) Speaking many languages
4. Which prefix means “before”?
a) Post-
b) Pre-
c) Over-
5. What does “hyperactive” mean?
a) Too little energy
b) Too much energy
c) Normal energy
6. Which word means “too much”?
a) Underestimate
b) Overestimate
c) Subestimate
7. Which of these words means “after graduation”?
a) Pregraduate
b) Postgraduate
c) Undergraduate
8. Which prefix means “below”?
a) Hyper-
b) Super-
c) Sub-
9. Which prefix means “former”?
a) Ex-
b) Non-
c) Un-
10. What does “superhuman” mean?
a) Less than human
b) More than human
c) Equal to human
Quiz Answers
1) Un-
2) Rebuild
3) Speaking one language
4) Pre-
5) Too much energy
6) Overestimate
7) Postgraduate
8) Sub-
9) Ex-
10) More than human
