Grammar Punk Blog

Prefixes

Let’s look at prefixes. Prefixes are by definition a word element that is placed in front of a root, changing the word’s meaning or making a new word. Prefixes are not independent words but letters attached to the beginning of words to modify their meanings. Prefixes and suffixes are called affixes because they are attached to a root.

Sounds simple enough, right? And it is. Familiarizing yourself with the parts of words is also a great way to get a firm grasp of the formation, spelling, and definition of words, even big, long, scary ones.

Looking at the prefix of a given word (and not all words will include a prefix or suffix), you can right away get a hint about the word itself. 

Examples of prefixes: pre, un, dis, non, re, im, in, bi, de, anti, aqua, ex, geo

Let’s look at a particular word that contains a prefix, root, and suffix. How about, preeminent? That one takes “superior in position, fame, or achievement,” and makes it, “standing out among all others.” Cool, huh? And, “believable, seeming to be true or authentic,” to, “unbelievable, too unrealistic or improbable to be believed (and look at that, two more prefixes.)” 

Not all words containing prefixes contain stand-alone roots. Try geodesic: relating to geometry and curves—hence the geo prefix. And aquarium: a water-filled transparent container—aqua, as in water. But just by looking at the prefix you already have a clue about the word. By breaking the word into its elements even exhaustingly long words become approachable, identifiable, and manageable. The other nice thing about long words is that they do tend to give themselves away, thanks to those prefixes, roots, and suffixes. The world has enough short pithy words; long words rule!