A prefix is a letter or a group of letters attached to the beginning of a word (or word root) that partly indicates its meaning.

Understanding the meanings of the most common prefixes can help us deduce the definition of new words that we run across in our reading, especially knowing that they can make a word mean its opposite, such as the difference between possible and impossible.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/agkgdb378ng6

Re-

Mis-

Dis-

Co-

De-

Ex-

Trans-

Re-

1) again

2) again in a different way

3) back to the way that something was before

Match the sentence and the definition on the left.

We’ve decided to redecorate the kitchen.

Previous applicants need not reapply.

She reappeared a few minutes later.

Mis-

1) bad, or badly

2) wrong, or wrongly

Match the sentences and the definitions on the left.

He is notorious for his misbehaviour.

I think he has misunderstood the nature of the problem.

Dis-

used with some nouns, verbs, and adjectives for giving a word the opposite meaning

dislike = to not like something

dissimilar = not similar

Public reaction to the announcement has been one of shock and disbelief.

No one deserves to be treated with this level of disrespect.

Co-

1) together

2) sharing a job or responsibility

Match the sentences and the definitions on the left.

Scott and her co-accused, Greenbury, were both charged with theft and attempted burglary.

It is possible for local wildlife to coexist with industry.

You've previewed 10 of 17 pages.
To read more:

Benefits:

Full access to our public library
Save favorite books
Interact with authors

READ

A prefix is a letter or a group of letters attached to the beginning of a word (or word root) that partly indicates its meaning.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/agkgdb378ng6

Re-

Mis-

Dis-

Co-

De-

Ex-

Trans-

Re-

1) again

2) again in a different way

3) back to the way that something was before

Match the sentence and the definition on the left.

We’ve decided to redecorate the kitchen.

Previous applicants need not reapply.