What Are Prefixes?

A prefix is a group of letters that we add to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Think of a prefix like a magic spell that transforms a word into something new!

Example:

  • happy → unhappy
  • The prefix “un-” changes the meaning from happy to “not happy”

How Prefixes Work

When you add a prefix to a word, you create a brand new word with a different meaning. The best part? The spelling of the original word stays exactly the same!

Formula:

PREFIX + BASE WORD = NEW WORD

Common Prefixes and Their Meanings

Here are some prefixes you’ll use often:

Prefix Meaning Examples
un- not, opposite of unlock, unkind, unable, unpack, untie, unfair, unhappy, unsafe, unwise, uncertain
re- again rewrite, redo, replay, return, reread, rebuild, reheat, repaint, restart, recycle
dis- not, opposite of disagree, disappear, dislike, dishonest, disobey, disconnect, distrust, discomfort, disrespect, displease
pre- before preview, preheat, prepay, preschool, pretest, prehistoric, prejudge, preorder, preplan, predawn
mis- wrongly, badly misspell, misread, misplace, misunderstand, misbehave, mislead, miscount, misjudge, misuse, mistrust
in- not invisible, incomplete, incorrect, inactive, indirect, informal, insecure, inexpensive, inexact, injustice
im- not impossible, impatient, impolite, immature, imperfect, impure, immobile, imbalance, immortal, improper
non- not nonfiction, nonstop, nonsense, nonprofit, nonfat, nonviolent, nonliving, nontoxic, nonverbal, nonhuman
over- too much overeat, overcook, overflow, overheat, oversleep, overload, overpay, overwork, overdo, overjoyed
under- too little, below underwater, underline, underpaid, undercooked, underweight, underground, underwear, undersea, underdog, undercover

Creating Antonyms with Prefixes

An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. Prefixes like “un-“, “dis-“, and “in-” help us create antonyms easily!

Example: Grateful and Ungrateful

Let’s look at how the prefix “un-” creates an antonym:

GRATEFUL means feeling or showing thanks and appreciation.

  • “Maya was grateful for her birthday gifts.”
  • Maya felt thankful and happy about receiving presents.

UNGRATEFUL means not feeling or showing thanks.

  • “It would be ungrateful to complain about the gifts.”
  • Not being thankful for what you receive.

See how adding just two letters (un-) completely changed the meaning to its opposite?

More Antonym Examples

  1. like → dislike
    • I like chocolate, but I dislike broccoli.
  2. appear → disappear
    • The magician made the rabbit disappear!
  3. kind → unkind
    • It’s unkind to laugh at someone’s mistakes.
  4. honest → dishonest
    • Telling lies is dishonest.
Worksheet on Prefixes

Suggested Grammar Books for Practice for Grade 3

Essentials of English Grammar and Composition                                                      BUY NOW

BBC Compacta English                                                                                                   BUY NOW

Primary School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin                BUY NOW

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