Prefix: meaning, definitions and examples

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.