prefix (B1)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpriːfɪks/

Definition

A letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.

Examples

• The prefix 're-' often means 'again', as in 'redo' or 'rewrite'.

• Adding the prefix 'pre-' to 'view' creates 'preview', meaning to see something before it happens.

• Many words in English start with a prefix that modifies their original meaning.

How to Use prefix

prefix with (prepositional phrase)

To add a specific prefix to a word. — "Many English words are formed by adding a prefix with a specific meaning."

prefix meaning (collocation)

Referring to the definition or sense of a prefix. — "What is the prefix meaning of 'un-'?"

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary