What is the definition of prefix?

A prefix is a group of letters placed at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. It's like adding a little "extra" to the original word.

Here's a breakdown:

* Part of a word: Prefixes are not standalone words, but rather parts of a larger word.

* Placed at the beginning: They always appear at the start of the word, not the end.

* Modify meaning: Prefixes change the meaning of the original word, often adding a negative, opposite, or more specific meaning.

Examples:

* "un" - *unhappy* (opposite of happy)

* "re" - *rewrite* (do again)

* "pre" - *prepaid* (done before)

* "mis" - *misunderstand* (wrong understanding)

* "multi" - *multitasking* (doing many things at once)

Knowing common prefixes can help you:

* Understand unfamiliar words: If you know the prefix and the base word, you can often guess the meaning of the entire word.

* Expand your vocabulary: By adding prefixes to words you already know, you can learn new words.

* Write more effectively: Using prefixes can help you express yourself more precisely and creatively.