noun

prefix

PREE-fiks

Prefix (noun) means a group of letters added to the front of a word to change its meaning, such as un- in unhappy or re- in rewrite. Example: “Adding the prefix "un-" turns "kind" into "unkind".”

noun

A group of letters added to the front of a word to change its meaning, such as un- in unhappy or re- in rewrite.

"Adding the prefix "un-" turns "kind" into "unkind"."

"Most of these medical terms use a Greek prefix."

A set of characters or digits placed at the start of a code, number or name to identify a category, such as a dialling code or a title before a name.

"Every number in the region shares the same area prefix."

"Choose a prefix such as Mr, Ms or Dr from the drop-down."

verb

To put something in front of something else, especially at the start of a word or text.

"Prefix each filename with the date so they sort correctly."

How to Use Prefix

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLetters stuck on the front of a word that change what it means.

When to use it

Neutral; standard in grammar teaching, forms and computing.

Memory tip

Prefixes come before the root, suffixes come after it: pre- itself means "before".

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prefix vs suffix prefix vs root word

Common pairings

prefix and suffix common prefixes country prefix prefix the filename

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Adding the _____ "un-" turns "kind" into "unkind".

Etymology

From Latin praefigere "to fix in front", from prae- "before" + figere "to fasten".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

preface precede

Antonyms

suffix

Related Words

ending succeed preface precede suffix preamble forego forgo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a prefix and a suffix?

A prefix goes at the front of a word and a suffix goes at the end. "Un-" in "unhelpful" is a prefix; "-ful" is a suffix. Prefixes usually change meaning, while suffixes often change the word's part of speech as well.

What are the most common prefixes in English?

Un-, re-, in-/im-, dis-, en-, non-, over-, mis-, sub-, pre- and de- account for most prefixed words in everyday English. Learning what a handful of them mean lets you work out thousands of unfamiliar words.

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ending succeed preface precede suffix preamble forego forgo