Prefixes

Mission #1 Task #1Mission #1 Task #1

Prefixes

THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TASK IS TO GET

YOU STARTED WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS

OF WORD-DECODING AND VOCABULARY

DEVELOPMENT.

A prefix is a group of letters attached to the beginning of a root

or word (or even group of words) serving to modify and/or

extend meaning.

Prefixes generally have an easily understood meaning in and

of themselves, which they apply to the root word to which they

are affixed. Learning about prefixes early on is important in

that it greatly improves reading comprehension at all levels.

What is a prefix ?

Knowing prefix meanings and prefix definitions also helps

students see and use context and etymological clues,

allowing them to make educated guesses about the

meaning of unfamiliar words. Which will be very useful in

your word knowledge subtest.

precooked = cooked beforeuncooked = not cooked

postwar = after warprewar = before war

preorder = order before releasereorder = order again

disorder = not in order, messy

Examples

Homework :Print out our list of prefixes and

study their meaning.

More Prefixes Examples

Dis – means not, the opposite of , or the lack of

DisrespectDisrespect means the lack of respect

DiscourageDiscourage means lack of courage

More Prefixes Examples iL- / im- / In- / Ir-

means not, in

illegibleillegible means cannot be read

inactioninaction means lack of motion

More Prefixes Examples

over-means excessive, above

overageoverage means too old, above age

overactoveract means excessive action

More Prefixes Examples

Mal-means bad, illness or sickness

MaladyMalady means bad health

malevolentmalevolent means bad will for others; mean

More Prefixes Examples

Un- means not, against, opposite

Unhappynot happy, the opposite of being happy

Unceasingnever ending, continuous