1. Negation: This is the most common use of "in-". It adds the opposite meaning to the root word.
* Examples:
* active becomes inactive
* correct becomes incorrect
* visible becomes invisible
* sane becomes insane
2. Inside/Within: "In-" can also indicate something that is inside or within something else.
* Examples:
* inside (literally meaning "within the side")
* inland (within the land)
* indoor (within a building)
* inward (towards the inside)
3. Intensification: In some cases, "in-" can intensify the meaning of the root word, but this is less common.
* Examples:
* inflame (to intensify fire)
* insist (to emphasize one's point)
4. Other meanings: The prefix "in-" can also contribute to other meanings depending on the specific word, but it's not as common as the above uses.
* Examples:
* invaluable (having great value)
* inbred (produced through close breeding)
It's important to note that the specific meaning of "in-" will vary depending on the word it is attached to. If you are unsure about the meaning of a word with the prefix "in-", it is always a good idea to consult a dictionary.