What is the Prefix

.:. What is the Prefix .:.

A prefix is a group of letters added in front of a word or a root of the word to change its meaning. A negative prefix is a prefix which carries a negative meaning 'not', 'opposite of'.

Common negative prefixes in English are un-, im-, in-, il-, and ir-, and dis-. Some of these prefixes are only attached to a noun or an adjective while some are only attached to a verb. It is not possible to predict whether the negative prefix un-, in-, or dis- is used with a particular word. The correct form must be learned.

1. The negative prefix un-
This prefix is normally attached to an adjective or a noun to form an adjective or a noun.

Unauthorized (Adj.) For which official permission has not been given
Unbelievable (Adj.) Too difficult to believe
Uncountable (Adj.) Too many to be counted
Undamaged (Adj.) Not damaged or not spoiled
Undesirable (Adj.) Not wanted
Unemployment (N.) No work, job
Unforgettable (Adj.) That will stay forever in memory
Unkind (Adj.) Not friendly
Unlucky (Adj.) Not lucky
Unpopular (Adj.) Not popular
Unrelated (Adj.) Not related or not connected
Unreliable (Adj.) Not reliable
Unsatisfied (Adj.) Not satisfied

It is important to distinguish the negative prefix un- 'not' from the prefix un- 'do the reverse of' which is normally attached to a verb. The resulting word remains a verb.

Undo (V.) To cancel the effect of something
Undress (V.) To remove one's clothes
Unroll (V.) To open something that is rolled up
Untie (V.) To remove somebody or something that is tied
Unwrap (V.) To undo the covering that wraps something

2. The negative prefixes in-, im-, il-, ir-
This prefix is normally attached to an adjective. The resulting word remains an adjective.
Prefixes + initial consonant of the attached root
il + l
illegal (Adj.) Against the law, not legal
illiterate (Adj.) Not able to read or write
ir + r
irregular (Adj.) Not regular
irresponsible (Adj.) Not responsible
im + consonants
imbalanced (N.) Not balance
impossible (Adj.) Not possible
immeasurable (Adj.) No able to be measured
in + other consonants
incomplete (Adj.) Not complete
intolerable (Adj.) Not tolerable
incorrect (Adj.) Not correct

It is also important to distinguish the meaning of the prefix im- or in- 'not' from those carrying the meaning 'in, into' which forms a verb.

Prefixes + initial consonant of the attached root
im + p import (V.) To bring goods from a foreign country

in + other consonants
inflame (V.) To cause strong feelings, especially among a lot of people
incorporate (V) To make something part of the whole
inject (V.) To put in at speed a drug or other substance into somebody or something
inhale (V.) To breathe in
intend (V.) To have a particular plan in mind

3. The negative prefix dis- 'not, opposite of, away'
This prefix is normally attached to a verb, an adjective or a noun. The resulting words can be a verb, an adjective or a noun.
disappear (V.) become no longer visible
disarm take weapons away from someone
discard (V.) throw something away
disbelieve Refuse to believe
disclose Reveal, make something known
discontinue (V.) To stop doing something
discount (N.) To reduce the price
discourage (V.) To take away someone's confidence or somebody's hope of doing something.
discover (V.) To find or learn about a place or an object for the first time
discredit (V.) Damage the good reputation
discredit (N.) Loss of reputation or respect
dishonest (Adj.) Not honest
disloyal (Adj.) Not loyal, not faithful
dissatisfied . Not satisfied

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