Prefix: meaning, definitions and examples

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prefix

[ˈpriːfɪks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in linguistics

An affix placed before a base or another prefix to modify its meaning or create a new word. Prefixes are common in many languages and can indicate aspects such as negation, time, or location.

Synonyms

affix, preformative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prefix	Use this word when referring to a group of letters placed before the root of a word to change its meaning. The prefix 'un-' can give a negative meaning to a word, such as 'unhappy'. Adding the prefix 'pre-' to 'view' creates the word 'preview'.
affix	This term is used as a general word to describe either a prefix or suffix added to a base word to modify its meaning. Both 'un-' and '-ness' in 'unhappiness' are affixes. Affixes are important components of grammar and morphology.
preformative	This term is mostly used in linguistic studies to describe an affix, usually a prefix, that is placed before the root of a word to alter its function. It is less common in everyday language. In some languages, preformatives are used to mark tense, aspect, or mood. The preformative 're-' in 'redo' indicates repetition.

Word

Description / Examples

prefix

Use this word when referring to a group of letters placed before the root of a word to change its meaning.

The prefix 'un-' can give a negative meaning to a word, such as 'unhappy'.
Adding the prefix 'pre-' to 'view' creates the word 'preview'.

affix

This term is used as a general word to describe either a prefix or suffix added to a base word to modify its meaning.

Both 'un-' and '-ness' in 'unhappiness' are affixes.
Affixes are important components of grammar and morphology.

preformative

This term is mostly used in linguistic studies to describe an affix, usually a prefix, that is placed before the root of a word to alter its function. It is less common in everyday language.

In some languages, preformatives are used to mark tense, aspect, or mood.
The preformative 're-' in 'redo' indicates repetition.

Examples of usage

The prefix 'un-' in 'unhappy' changes the meaning to not happy.
In the word 'preheat,' the prefix 'pre-' means before.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to add something at the beginning

To add a prefix to a word or a phrase, often to change its meaning or create a new word.

Synonyms

add at the beginning, prepose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prefix	Used mostly in linguistic contexts to indicate an element added at the beginning of a word to alter its meaning. The prefix 'un-' in the word 'unhappy' changes the meaning to the opposite.
add at the beginning	A general phrase used in everyday conversation to describe placing something at the start of another thing. Please add 'Dear' at the beginning of the letter.
prepose	A formal term used in grammar to describe placing a word or phrase before another word or phrase. In the sentence 'Very good work,' 'very' is preposed to 'good' to intensify the meaning.

Word

Description / Examples

prefix

Used mostly in linguistic contexts to indicate an element added at the beginning of a word to alter its meaning.

The prefix 'un-' in the word 'unhappy' changes the meaning to the opposite.

add at the beginning

A general phrase used in everyday conversation to describe placing something at the start of another thing.

Please add 'Dear' at the beginning of the letter.

prepose

A formal term used in grammar to describe placing a word or phrase before another word or phrase.

In the sentence 'Very good work,' 'very' is preposed to 'good' to intensify the meaning.

Examples of usage

She decided to prefix her surname with her mother's maiden name.
In programming, it is common to prefix variable names to indicate their type.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'praefixus,' which means 'fixed before.'
Prefixes have been used in many languages for centuries, influencing words in English and beyond.
Common prefixes such as 'un-' and 're-' can be traced back to Old English roots.

Linguistics

Prefixes don't stand alone; they always need to combine with a base word to make sense.
They can alter the meaning of a word significantly; for example, 'happy' becomes 'unhappy' with just one prefix.
Some prefixes indicate action, like 'dis-' meaning 'opposite of,' as in 'disagree.'

Language Learning

Understanding prefixes can help learners decode words they may have never seen before.
Mastering common prefixes can expand vocabulary rapidly, as they are often used in many words.
Instructive games that focus on prefixes can make language learning fun and interactive for students.

Cultural Impact

In some cultures, using the right prefix can denote respect or politeness in titles and names.
Prefixes are often a key component in forming compound and complex words, enriching a language's vocabulary.
Different languages employ unique prefixes, showcasing diverse linguistic structures and evolution.

Translations

Translations of the word "prefix" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prefixo

🇮🇳 प्रत्यय

🇩🇪 Präfix

🇮🇩 awalan

🇺🇦 префікс

🇵🇱 prefiks

🇯🇵 接頭辞 (せっとうじ)

🇫🇷 préfixe

🇪🇸 prefijo

🇹🇷 ön ek

🇰🇷 접두사 (jeopdusa)

🇸🇦 بادئة

🇨🇿 předpona

🇸🇰 predpona

🇨🇳 前缀 (qiánzhuì)

🇸🇮 predpona

🇮🇸 forskeyti

🇰🇿 қосымша

🇬🇪 წინსართავი

🇦🇿 prefiks

🇲🇽 prefijo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,267, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12265 blonde
12266 stitch
12267 prefix
12268 characteristically
12269 feminism
12270 satin
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