Determine meaning using prefixes

Today we will learn how to determine meaning using prefixes. Reading and writing help us share our ideas with others.

A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a base word that changes its meaning. Common prefixes: un- (not, opposite: unhappy, unsafe), re- (again: redo, rewrite, return), pre- (before: preview, prepare, predict), dis- (not, opposite: disagree, dislike), mis- (wrongly: mistake, misspell), non- (not: nonfiction, nonprofit), over- (too much: overflow, overdue), sub- (under: submarine, subtract). Strategy: when you encounter an unfamiliar word, separate the prefix from the base word and use both meanings together. "Unhelpful" = un (not) + helpful = not helpful. Prefixes multiply your vocabulary by helping you decode thousands of words.

Let's break this down step by step so it's easy to understand. Follow along with the examples, and don't worry if it takes some practice to get the hang of it!

Remember: Making mistakes is part of learning. If something is tricky, try again, look at the examples, or ask for help.