Prefixation

 Definition
Prefixation is a morphological process whereby a bound morpheme is attached to the front of a root or stem.
The kind of affix involved in this process is called a prefix.

 Example
The prefix un- attaches to the front of the stem selfish to form the word unselfish.

 Generally they do not alter the word class of the base;  They are normally written together with the base as a single word;  Main stress falls normally on the base;  They can be grouped according to their meaning.

Do not alter the word-class of the base.
Main characteristics

They are added to the beginning of the base word.

 Major prefixes are classified according to meaning

NEGATIVE PREFIXES
Meaning: Added to: Examples:

UN-

opposite of; not

adjectives; -ed or –ing participles adjectives; nouns; verbs; etc adjectives

Unfair; unforgettable

NON-

not

non-conformist; nonsmoker

IN(IL- before /l/, IM- before labials, IRbefore /r/) DISA-

opposite of; not

insane, illogical, improper, irrelevant disloyal, disfavor, dislike amoral, asexual, asymmetry

opposite of; not Lacking in; lacking of

adjectives; verbs; abstract nouns adjectives; nouns

REVERSATIVE OR PRIVATIVE PREFIXES
Meaning: UNto reverse the action Added to: Verbs; Examples: Undo; Untie; Unpack

DE-

to reverse the action, Verbs; abstract nouns Decode; to get rid of Defrost; Desegregate

DIS-

to reverse the action

Verbs; participles; nouns

Disconnect, Disinfect; Discontent

PEJORATIVE PREFIXES
Meaning: Added to: Examples:

MIS-

“Wrongly”; “Astray”

Verbs; Abstract nouns; Participles

Miscalculate; Mishear; Misfire; Misinform; Mislead; Misconduct; Misleading Maltreat; Malfunction; Malformed; Malodourous Pseudo-Christianity; Pseudo-classicism; Pseudo-intellectual; Pseudo-scientific

MAL-

“Badly”; “bad”

Verbs; Abstract nouns; Participles; Adjectives Nouns; Adjectives

PSEUDO-

“False”; “Imitation”

PREFIXES OF DEGREE OR SIZE