Prefixes are word parts added to the beginning of a base word. They change the meaning of the base word.
Think of a prefix as a clue at the start of a word that changes what the word means.
The prefix un- means “not” or “the opposite of.” Adding un- to a word makes it negative.
When you see a word with un-, try saying “not” before the base word to check the meaning.
The prefix re- means “again” or “back.” Adding re- to a word shows that something is repeated.
When you see a word with re-, try saying “again” before the base word to check the meaning.
Prefixes change the meaning of a word but do not usually change its spelling. Knowing what prefixes mean helps you understand new words.
If you know the base word, adding un- or re- helps you figure out the new meaning quickly.
Practice reading and writing sentences with words that have prefixes to understand them better.
Ask yourself: Does the prefix make the word mean “not” or “again”? This helps you check if the word makes sense in the sentence.