NEGATIVE PREFIXES1
Prefix is a group of letters (affixes) added in front of a word or a root of the word to change its meaning. A negative prefix is a prefix which carries a negative meaning 'not' , 'opposite of'.
Common negative prefixes in English are un-, im-, in-, il-, and ir-, and dis-. Some of these prefixes are only attached to a noun or an adjective while some are only attached to a verb. It is not possible to predict whether the negative prefix un-, in-, or dis- is used with a particular word. The correct form must be learned.
1. The negative prefix un-
This prefix is normally attached to an adjective or a noun to form an adjective or a noun.
|
Words |
Meaning |
|
Unauthorized (Adj.) |
For which official permission has not been given |
|
Unbelievable (Adj.) |
Too difficult to believe |
|
Uncountable (Adj.) |
Too many to be counted |
|
Undamaged (Adj.) |
Not damaged or not spoiled |
|
Undesirable (Adj.) |
Not wanted |
|
Unemployment (N.) |
No work, job |
|
Unforgetable (Adj.) |
That will stay forever in memory |
|
Unkind (Adj.) |
Not friendly |
|
Unlucky (Adj.) |
Not lucky |
|
Unpopular (Adj.) |
Not popular |
|
Unrelated (Adj.) |
Not related or not connected |
|
Unreliable (Adj.) |
Not reliable |
|
Unsatisfied (Adj.) |
Not satisfied |
It is important to distinguish the negative prefix un- 'not' from the prefix un- 'do the reverse of' which is normally attached to a verb. The resulting word remains a verb.
|
Words |
Meaning |
|
Undo (V.) |
To cancel the effect of something |
|
Undress (V.) |
To remove one's clothes |
|
Unroll (V.) |
To open something that is rolled up |
|
Untie (V.) |
To remove somebody or something that is tied |
|
Unwrap (V.) |
To undo the covering that wraps something |
2. The negative prefixes in-, im-, il-, ir-
This prefix is normally attached to an adjective. The resulting word remains an adjective.
|
Prefiixes + initial consonant of the attached root |
Words |
Meaning |
|
il + l |
illegal (Adj.) |
Against the law, not legal |
|
il + l |
illiterate (Adj.) |
Not able to read or write |
|
im + b |
imbalanced (N.) |
Not balance |
|
im + p |
impossible (Adj.) |
Not possible |
|
im + m |
immeasurable (Adj.) |
No able to be measured |
|
ir + r |
irregular (Adj.) |
Not regular |
|
ir + r |
irresponsible (Adj.) |
Not responsible |
|
in + other consonants |
incomplete (Adj.) |
Not complete |
|
in + other consonants |
intolerable (Adj.) |
Not tolerable |
|
in + other consonants |
incorrect (Adj.) |
Not correct |
It is also important to distinguish the meaning of the prefix im- or in- 'not' from those carrying the meaning 'in, into' which forms a verb.
|
Prefiixes + initial consonant of the attached root |
Words |
Meaning |
|
im + p |
import (V.) |
To bring goods from a foreign country |
|
in + other consonants |
inflame (V.) |
To cause strong feelings, especially among a lot of people |
|
in + other consonants |
incorporate (V) |
To make something part of the whole |
|
in + other consonants |
inject (V.) |
To put in at speed a drug or other substance into somebody or something |
|
in + other consonants |
inhale (V.) |
To breathe in |
|
in + other consonants |
intend (V.) |
To have a particular plan in mind |
3. The negative prefix dis- 'not, opposite of, away'
This prefix is normally attached to a verb, an adjective or a noun. The resulting words can be a verb, an adjective or a noun.
|
Words |
Meaning |
|
disappear (V.) |
become no longer visible |
|
disarm |
take weapons away from someone |
|
disbelieve |
Refuse to believe |
|
disclose |
Reveal, make something known |
|
discontinue (V.) |
To stop doing something |
|
discover (V.) |
To find or learn about a place or an object for the first time |
|
discredit (V.) |
Damage the good reputation |
|
discredit (N.) |
Loss of reputation or respect |
1Information from: http://hum.ku.ac.th/learn/learnenglishthroughsong/BackAtOne/prefix.html
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