How Prefixes Work
* Prefixes are word parts added to the beginning of a word. They often change the meaning of the root word.
* Antonyms are words with opposite meanings.
Examples
Let's look at some examples of words where changing the prefix creates an antonym:
* Happy vs. Unhappy: "Un-" is the prefix that creates the opposite meaning.
* Active vs. Inactive: "In-" is the prefix that creates the opposite meaning.
* Possible vs. Impossible: "Im-" is the prefix that creates the opposite meaning.
* Appear vs. Disappear: "Dis-" is the prefix that creates the opposite meaning.
* Connect vs. Disconnect: "Dis-" is the prefix that creates the opposite meaning.
* Agree vs. Disagree: "Dis-" is the prefix that creates the opposite meaning.
Important Note: Not all prefixes create opposites. Some prefixes modify the meaning in other ways, like adding a sense of time, place, or degree.
Practice
Can you think of any other words where changing the prefix creates an antonym?