Vocabulary: Prefixes

Vocabulary: Prefixes

Look at the following prefixes, explanations and examples of words that start with them. Use a dictionary, if necessary, to clarify how the prefix changes the meaning of the root word.

• counter—
  indicates the opposite, or a reaction
  counterproductive, counterargument, counteract, counterattack, counterculture

• im—
  without sth or lack of sth or the opposite of sth
  impassable, impatient, impolite

• back—
  indicates a backward motion or a reversal
  backdate, backlash, backlog, backorder, backpedal

• anti—
  against
  antiaircraft, antibacterial, antifreeze, anti-inflammatory

• in—
  without sth or lack of sth or the opposite of sth
  inadequate, incoherent, inconvenient, insane, insensitive, intolerant

• up—
  often indicates an upward motion or placement, physically or metaphorically
  upgrade, uphold, uplift, upmarket, upstairs, upstage

• dis—
  opposite
  disbelief, dislike, disrespect, dissimilar

• un—
  opposite
  unable, unachievable, uncomplicated, unhappy, undo, unzip

Now, test and refine your understanding of these prefixes by taking the quiz below.