easy
Un- is a prefix in the word unhappy.
What does Prefix mean?
a beginning word part that changes meaning.
Dictionary definition
A word part added to the beginning of a base word to change its meaning.
Example sentences
Prefix in a sentence
medium
Knowing prefixes can help you decode new words.
hard
A prefix changes meaning but usually not the base spelling.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice prefix in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Prefix
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does prefix mean?
Prefix means a beginning word part that changes meaning.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses prefix correctly?
The correct sentence uses prefix in context.
Practice 3
Which word is closest in meaning to prefix?
Word Beginning is close in meaning to prefix.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Prefix
Voice settings
Sounds like
pree · fiks · strongest beat: pree
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPrefix.
Partnoun.
MeaningPrefix means a beginning word part that changes meaning.
ExampleExample: Un- is a prefix in the word unhappy.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- pree · fiks
- Strongest beat
- pree
- Ending
- fiks
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on pree.
Your turn
Say Prefix
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Nice work—you practiced prefix.
Synonyms
Words like Prefix
word beginningSimilar meaning.
word partSimilar meaning.
Antonyms
Opposite words
suffixOpposite or contrasting meaning.
endingOpposite or contrasting meaning.
Synonym practice
Want to practice prefix synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please add a prefix to the beginning of the word," then compare close word choices. Practice prefix synonyms.
Word family
Prefix word family
Base word
prefix
noun
prefixes
More than one prefix.
adjective
prefixed
Having a prefix added.
noun
prefixs
Plural form.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Prefix
Hint for students
a beginning word part that changes meaning.
Common mix-up
Prefix is not the same as suffix. Prefix means a beginning word part that changes meaning.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: Knowing prefixes can help you decode new words. Clue words: knowing, prefixes, help. Underline clue words that show why prefix fits instead of suffix. Now write one new sentence that shows prefix without using the word prefix. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show prefix?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Knowing prefixes can help you decode new words." Why does prefix fit better than suffix?
Learning activities
Practice Prefix and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice PREFIX” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice PREFIX
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with PREFIX
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Spell Hive
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Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
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Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
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