>> ZG·Lingua >  >> Linguistic Research >> Research Projects

How would the prefix change meaning of its base word?

Prefixes are like little word modifiers that attach to the beginning of a word and change its meaning in various ways. Here's how prefixes can alter the meaning of a base word:

1. Negation:

* un-, in-, im-, ir-, non-, dis-

* unhappy: not happy

* inactive: not active

* impossible: not possible

* irregular: not regular

* nonexistent: not existing

* disagree: not agree

2. Reversal or Opposition:

* de-, anti-, counter-

* deactivate: reverse the action of activate

* antibacterial: against bacteria

* counterclockwise: in the opposite direction of clockwise

3. Location or Position:

* pre-, post-, inter-, intra-, sub-, super-, trans-

* pregame: before the game

* post-mortem: after death

* interstate: between states

* intracellular: within a cell

* submarine: below the surface of the water

* superhuman: above human abilities

* transatlantic: across the Atlantic Ocean

4. Quantity or Degree:

* over-, under-, semi-, hyper-, sub-, multi-

* overwhelmed: excessively burdened

* underestimate: to estimate something as being less than it is

* semiannual: occurring twice a year

* hyperactive: excessively active

* substandard: below the usual standard

* multifaceted: having many aspects

5. Time or Repetition:

* re-, fore-, bi-, tri-, mono-

* redo: do again

* forewarn: warn in advance

* bilingual: able to speak two languages

* tricycle: a vehicle with three wheels

* monologue: a speech by one person

6. Other Meanings:

* auto-: self

* co-: with, together

* pro-: in favor of

* micro-: very small

* macro-: large

Example:

* The word "happy" is positive. Adding the prefix "un-" makes it negative: "unhappy".

Remember: The meaning of the prefix can vary slightly depending on the context and the base word it's attached to.

Copyright © www.zgghmh.com ZG·Lingua All rights reserved.