Definitions of a Prefix
A prefix is “an affix attached to the beginning of a word, base, or phrase and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form,” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. According to the Collins Dictionary, a prefix is a letter or set of letters that are added to the beginning of a word to make a separate word, such as “un-” or “multi-.”
Prefixes in English Grammar : Definition, Examples & How to use them?
In the English language, there are times when we come across a one-syllable or a group of letters being added to a base word to alter its meaning. For example, let us then consider the word “possible”. Adding the letters “im-” before it creates a new word called impossible which means the opposite of possible.
Such types of syllables or groups of letters (im-) are called prefixes and they play a key role in English grammar. Knowledge of prefixes helps enhance vocabulary and comprehension.
Table of Content
- What is a Prefix in English?
- Definitions of a Prefix
- List of 35 Most Common Prefixes in English
- When to Use Prefixes?
- Prefixes Examples
- Writing Prefixes With Hyphens
- How to Learn Prefixes in English?
- Prefixes Exercises
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