According to the Cambridge Dictionary:
Prefixes are letters which we add to the beginning of a word to make a new word with a different meaning. Prefixes can, for example, create a new word opposite in meaning to the word the prefix is attached to. They can also make a word negative or express relations of time, place or manner.
You will see different prefixes, their meaning, and examples using adjectives. The goal of this class is for you to be able to use a range of common prefixes, enhancing the meaning of adjectives.
| PREFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|
| anti- | against / opposed to | anti-racist, antiviral |
| dis- | not / opposite of | disloyal, dishonest, dissimilar, distrustful |
| extra- | beyond / outside | extraordinary, extraterrestrial, extracurricular |
| hyper- | extreme / more than | |
| normal | hyperactive, hypersonic | |
| il-, im-, in-, ir- | not / opposite of | illegal, impolite, insecure, irrational |
| inter- | between / among | interactive, international |
| non- | not / absence | non-fiction, non-political, non-neutral |
| over- | too much / excessive | overused, overconfident |
| pre- | before | prehistoric, pre-adolescent |
| pro- | in favor of / in support of | pro-communist, prodemocratic |
| semi- | half / partly | semi-conscious, semi-retired |
| sub- | under / below / near | subtropical, sub-Saharan |
| super- | above / beyond | super-hero, supermodel, super-human |
| trans- | across / beyond | transatlantic, transnational |
| ultra- | extremely / beyond | ultra-compact, ultrasonic |
| un- | not / opposite of | unhappy, unreal, unpleasant |
| under- | less than / beneath | underpaid, underage |
| up- | make or move higher | upgrade, uphill |