List of 35 Most Common Prefixes in English
Here are some of the most common prefixes list in English with their meanings and examples.
Prefix | Meaning | Examples |
---|---|---|
Ambi- | Both and around | Ambidextrous, ambivalence, ambiguous, ambidexterity |
Co- | Together | Coexist, correlation, colleague, co-worker |
Anti- | Against | Anti-national, antibiotic, antibody, antisocial |
Mono- | One | Monogamy, monotonous, monolingual, monologue |
Semi- | Half | Semifinal, semicircle, semiautomatic, semiconscious |
Sub- | Below | Subconscious, subtropical, submerge, subordinate |
Un- | Opposite or not | Unacceptable, unabashed, unlike, unfair |
Uni- | One | Universe, unilateral, unicycle, uniform |
Under- | Not enough | Underage, underperform, undervalue, underrate |
In- | Opposite or not | Insufficient, insane, independent, invalid |
Bi- | Two | Bilingual, bicycle, biweekly, bilateral |
Homo- | Same | Homogeneous, homogeny, homosexual, homonym |
Contra- | Against or opposite | Contradict, contraceptive, contrary, contradictory |
Dis- | Opposite or not | Dislike, disintegrate, dishonour, disappear |
Em- | To make or put into | Empathy, empirical, emphasis, embankment |
Hetero- | Different | Heterosexual, heterogeneous, heterogamous, heteronomous |
Hind- | After or back | Hindsight, hindlimb, hindwing, hindquarters |
Im- | Opposite or not | Immoral, impatient, impartial, imperfect |
Inter- | Between | Interstate, international, intermediate, interaction |
Mis- | Wrong | Miscommunication, miscalculate, misconception, misfortune |
Trans- | Across or changed | Transform, translate, translucent, transgender |
Tri- | Three | Triangle, tripod, trilingual, triathlon |
Non- | Without | Nonsense, non-alcoholic, nonstop, non-fiction |
On- | Near or connected | Onset, online, ongoing, onlooker |
Pan- | All | Pandemic, pan-Indian, pansexual, pancreatic |
Ped- | Foot | Pedicure, pedestrian, pedal, pedometer |
Post- | After | Postpone, postseason, postgraduate, postnatal |
Pre- | Before | Prepone, precaution, prejudice, premeditated |
Pro- | Forward or for | Progress, product, promise, procrastinate |
Re- | Again | Research, repeat, rework, recycle |
Sur- | Over | Surface, surcharge, surplus, surpass |
Twi- | Two | Twin, twice, twi-headed |
Ultra- | Beyond | Ultra-conservative, ultraviolet, ultrasound, ultrasonic |
Extra- | More than | Extraterrestrial, extra-curricular, extramarital, extraordinary |
Up- | Higher or better | Uphill, upgrade, update, upturned |
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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