Prefix Examples | Word formation in English


Prefix Examples

prefix is a part of a word attached in front of a root word to augment meaning.

For example,

  • prefix = pre (before) + fix (to place): A word-part attached to the beginning of a word. The prefix is placed before the root word.
  • suffix = suff (derived from “sub,” below) + fix (to place): A word-part attached to the end of a word. The prefix is placed after the root word.
  • overcoat = over (on top of) + coat (a type of garment): a garment worn on top of one’s other garments
  • reform = re (to do again) + form (to make): significant changes to an item or organization
  • renew (re- + new)
  • multicultural (multi- + cultural)
  • cybersecurity (cyber- + security)
  • pseudonym (pseudo- + nym)


  • Opposite: A, An, Un
  • Not: Im, In, Non
  • Pro: Favorable
  • Against : Anti, Con
  • After: Post
  • Past: Ex
  • Before: Ante, Pre
  • Half: Demi, Semi
  • Each: Per
  • One: Uni
  • Two: Bi, Di
  • Three: Tri
  • Good: Ben
  • Bad: Mal
  • High: Hyper
  • Low: Hypo
  • Love: Phil
  • Hate: Mis
  • Again: Re
  • Canceled: De
  • Similar: Psuedo, Quasi

anti - meaning against; antiwar (against war)

ben - meaning good; benefit (something that is good for you)

auto- meaning self; automatic ( starts by itself)

dis - meaning lack of; disrespect (lack of respect

extra- meaning outside or beyond; extraordinary (beyond ordinary)

in- (il-, im-, ir-) meaning not; incomplete (not complete, immobile (not mobile), illiterate (not literate), irreplaceable (not replaceable)

mis - meaning wrong; misplace (put in the wrong place)

co- (com-) meaning with; companion (someone you spend time with), concurrent (at the same time)

pro- meaning forward; promotion (moved forward in a job)

sub- meaning under; submarine (a ship that travels under the water)

0 Comments