(ENGLISH) What is a Prefix? | #iQuestionPH

Summary

In this educational video, the concept of prefixes is explored, highlighting how adding letters before root words can change their meanings. The video covers several common prefixes, such as 'mis-' (meaning wrong or not), 'pre-' (meaning before), 're-' (meaning again), 'un-' and 'non-' (meaning not), and 'dis-' (indicating a negative or opposite meaning). Examples for each prefix are provided, helping viewers understand their practical use in everyday language. The video concludes with a reminder to like and subscribe for more content on language and grammar.

Takeaways

• 😀 A prefix is a set of letters added before a root word to form a new word with a different meaning.
• 😀 The prefix 'mis' means 'not' or 'wrongly.' Examples include misplace, misbehave, and misunderstand.
• 😀 The prefix 'pre' means 'before.' Examples include preheat, preview, and prepare.
• 😀 The prefix 're' means 'to do again.' Examples include rebuild, rearrange, and rediscover.
• 😀 The prefix 'un' means 'not.' Examples include unimportant, unclear, and untidy.
• 😀 The prefix 'non' also means 'not.' Examples include non-living, non-toxic, and non-renewable.
• 😀 The prefix 'dis' means 'negative, opposite, or not.' Examples include disappear, disagree, and disobey.
• 😀 Prefixes help form new words with distinct meanings by attaching to the root word.
• 😀 Understanding prefixes allows for better comprehension of word meanings and sentence construction.
• 😀 Common prefixes like 'mis,' 'pre,' 're,' 'un,' 'non,' and 'dis' each have specific meanings that change the meaning of the root word.
• 😀 The use of prefixes is essential in language as it expands vocabulary and enhances communication.

Q & A

What is a prefix?

A prefix is a set of letters added to the beginning of a root word, changing its meaning and forming a new word.

How does adding a prefix to a root word change its meaning?

Adding a prefix alters the meaning of the root word, often changing it to represent the opposite, a negative state, or a different time or condition.

Can you give an example of the prefix 'mis-'?

Sure! 'Mis-' means 'not' or 'wrongly.' An example is 'misplace,' as in 'Your phone has just been misplaced.'

What is the meaning of the prefix 'pre-'?

The prefix 'pre-' means 'before.' An example is 'preheat,' as in 'Kindly preheat the oven to 375 degrees.'

How does the prefix 're-' change the meaning of a word?

'Re-' means 'to do again.' For example, 'rebuild' means to build something again, as in 'I helped my sister rebuild her dollhouse.'

What is the meaning of the prefix 'un-' and can you provide an example?

'Un-' means 'not.' An example is 'untidy,' as in 'This is an untidy kitchen.'

What is the difference between 'un-' and 'non-' as prefixes?

'Un-' also means 'not,' but it is typically used to negate adjectives or verbs (e.g., 'untidy,' 'unhappy'). On the other hand, 'non-' means 'not' or 'without' and is often used with nouns (e.g., 'non-living,' 'non-toxic').

Can you explain the meaning of the prefix 'dis-'?

'Dis-' means negative, opposite, or not. For example, 'disappear' means to go away or cease to be visible, as in 'The balloons disappear into the sky.'

What are some other examples of words with the prefix 're-'?

Other examples of words with the prefix 're-' include 'rewrite,' 'rearrange,' 'reuse,' and 'repack.'

What is an example of the prefix 'non-' in a sentence?

An example of the prefix 'non-' in a sentence is 'I bought non-toxic paint,' where 'non-' means not toxic.