Abu Ahmad81 Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 What is a prefix? [Common Prefixes, Student] You must understand what a root word is in order to understand what a prefix is. A root word is a word you can change into a new word by adding a beginning and/or an ending. A prefix is a beginning that is added to a root word. For example, take the root word "purpose." By adding the prefix "multi" to "purpose," the new word "multipurpose" is formed. Every prefix has its own meaning. When added to a root word, a prefix changes the meaning of the root word to which it is added. The root word "purpose" means "an aim or a goal one wishes to achieve." The prefix "multi" means "many." The new word "multipurpose" means "designed or used for many purposes." Learning to identify prefixes and knowing their meanings are great ways to expand your vocabulary. An expanded vocabulary will increase your listening and speaking comprehension. It will also help you communicate more effectively when writing or taking tests. Some Common Prefixes Here are some common prefixes. The meaning of each prefix is shown, as well as words that can be formed by adding the prefix to root words. Using these prefixes and others will expand your vocabulary. Prefix Meaning of Prefix Words Formed Using the Prefix re again replay, resend, replace hyper over hyperactive, hypersensitive, hyperventilate un not unclear, unsure, undecided tri three triangle, tricycle, triweekly pre before prepay, prepackage, predate mis wrong misconduct, misspell, misunderstand sub below subway, substandard, submarine Some More Prefixes Here are some more prefixes and their meanings. You can add these prefixes to many root words to form new words and expand your vocabulary. [Common Prefixes, Submarine] Prefix Meaning Prefix Meaning ante before auto self bi two circum around equi equal im not hypo under inter between neo new omni all poly many retro backward semi half trans across To build your vocabulary using prefixes, do the following: 1. When you see a prefix whose meaning you do not know, look up its meaning in a dictionary. 2. Write the prefix and its meaning where you can refer to it easily and often. 3. Review the meaning of these prefixes from time to time. 4. Form words by adding these prefixes to root words. 5. Use these words when you speak and write. Watch your vocabulary grow! Note : all the five posts I did on this section were taken from http://www.how-to-study.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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