英文里前缀是什么意思

Understanding Prefixes: Unveiling the Meaning Behind Common Prefixes

Prefixes are an integral part of the English language, often providing insight into the meaning of a word. They are added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. This guide aims to demystify the most common prefixes and their meanings.

What Does the Prefix "Un-" Mean?

The prefix "un-" is commonly used to indicate the opposite of a word. It is often used to form antonyms, which are words that have the opposite meaning. For instance, "unhappy" is the opposite of "happy," and "undo" is the opposite of "do." The prefix "un-" can also be used to negate a verb or adjective, turning a positive statement into a negative one. For example, "unhappy" is the negative form of "happy," and "uninterested" is the negative form of "interested."

What Does the Prefix "Re-" Mean?

The prefix "re-" is used to indicate a repetition or a reversal of an action. It is often found in words that suggest going back, repeating, or correcting. For example, "revisit" means to visit again, "renew" means to make new, and "revert" means to return to a previous state. The prefix "re-" is versatile and can be applied to various types of verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

What Does the Prefix "Over-" Mean?

The prefix "over-" is used to indicate an excess, above a certain limit, or in a superior position. It is often used to describe things that are too much or above the norm. For instance, "overweight" refers to someone who weighs more than the average person, "overwork" means to work too hard, and "overhead" refers to expenses that are not directly related to the production of goods or services.

What Does the Prefix "Mis-" Mean?

The prefix "mis-" is used to indicate incorrectness, error, or misdirection. It is often used to form words that describe mistakes or misunderstandings. For example, "misplace" means to put something in the wrong place, "misunderstand" means to fail to understand correctly, and "misbehave" means to behave in a wrong or improper way. The prefix "mis-" is versatile and can be applied to various types of nouns, verbs, and adjectives.

Understanding these common prefixes can greatly enhance your vocabulary and comprehension of the English language.