A negative prefix is a
prefix which carries a negative meaning 'not' , 'opposite of'.
Common negative prefixes
in English are un-, im-, in-, il- ,
and ir-, and dis-. Some of these prefixes are only attached to a noun or an
adjective while some are only attached to a verb. It is not possible to predict
whether the negative prefix un-, in-, or dis- is used with a particular word.
The correct form must be learned.
1. The negative prefix
un-
Undamaged (Adj.) Not damaged or not
spoiled Undesirable (Adj.) Not wanted Unemployment (N.) No work, job
It is important to
distinguish the negative prefix un- 'not' from the prefix un- 'do the reverse
of' which is normally attached to a verb. The resulting word remains a verb.
Undo (V.) To cancel the effect of
something Undress (V.) To remove one's clothes
2. The negative prefixes
in-, im-, il- ,
ir-
il + l illegal (Adj.) Against the law, not legal
im + b imbalanced (N.) Not balance im + p impossible (Adj.) Not possible
im + m immeasurable (Adj.) No able to be measured
ir + r irregular (Adj.) Not regular
in + other consonants incomplete (Adj.) Not complete
It is also important to
distinguish the meaning of the prefix im- or in- 'not' from those carrying the
meaning 'in, into' which forms a verb.
im + p import (V.) To bring goods from a
foreign country
in + other consonants incorporate (V) To make something part of
the whole
3. The negative prefix
dis- 'not, opposite of, away'
This prefix is normally
attached to a verb, an adjective or a noun. The resulting words can be a verb,
an adjective or a noun.
disappear (V.) become no longer visible
discard (V.) throw something away
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