prefix
Pronunciation
/ˈpɹifɪks/

Definition & Meaning of "prefix"in English

Prefix
01

(grammar) a letter or a set of letters that are added to the beginning of a word to alter its meaning and make a new word

prefix definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
prefixes

What is a "prefix"?

A prefix is a type of affix that is added to the beginning of a base word or root to modify its meaning. Prefixes can change the meaning of the word in various ways, such as indicating negation, repetition, or degree. For example, the prefix "un-" can be added to the word "happy" to form "unhappy", which means not happy. Other examples include "redo", where the prefix "re-" indicates doing something again, and "preview", where "pre-" means before. Prefixes are important in word formation, allowing for the creation of new words and the expansion of vocabulary in many languages.

Examples
Understanding common prefixes, such as ' pre-' and ' dis-,' can help students decode unfamiliar words.
to prefix
01

to add a prefix to the beginning of a word or base form

Grammatical Information
Composition
derived
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
prefix
3rd person singular
prefixes
Present participle
prefixing
Past simple
prefixed
Past participle
prefixed
Examples
In English, " un- " is prefixed to many adjectives.
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