Words with un-, dis-, in-, im- and non-

Key Notes :-

Understanding Prefixes

A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Today, we’ll focus on the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- and how they negate or reverse the meaning of a word. Think of them like adding ‘not’ to a word!

un-

Definition: un- means ‘not’ or ‘the opposite of’. It often indicates a reversal of an action or state.

Examples:

• Unhappy: not happy
• Untie: to undo a tie
• Unlock: to open (something locked)
• Unusual: not usual

dis-

Definition: dis- means ‘not’, ‘opposite of’, or ‘apart’. It can also indicate removal or deprivation.

Examples:

• Disagree: to not agree
• Disappear: to cease to be seen
• Disconnect: to break a connection
• Disloyal: not loyal

in- / im-

Definition: in- and im- both generally mean ‘not’. im- is usually used before words that begin with m or p (but there are exceptions!).

Examples:

• Incorrect: not correct
• Invisible: not visible
• Incomplete: not complete
• Impossible: not possible
• Impolite: not polite
• Immature: not mature

non-

Definition: non- means ‘not’. It’s often used to describe the absence of something.

Examples:

• Nonsense: something that does not make sense
• Nonfiction: writing that is not fiction
• Nonviolent: without violence
• Nonstop: without stopping

Why are Prefixes Important?

Understanding prefixes helps you:

• Expand your vocabulary: You can figure out the meaning of new words by recognizing the prefix.
• Improve reading comprehension: Knowing prefixes makes it easier to understand what you read.
• Enhance your writing: You can use a wider range of words more accurately.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Try to find more examples of words with these prefixes in your reading. Think about how the prefix changes the meaning of the root word. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at recognizing and using these prefixes.

Summary

Today, we learned about the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-. We discussed their definitions and how they reverse the meaning of the words they are attached to. Understanding these prefixes can greatly improve your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Keep practicing!

Let’s practice!