Varieties of Word Prefixes – Their Explanation and Instances

Prefixes

Prefix: A prefix is an affix attached to the beginning of a word, base, or phrases and produces a derivative comment or an inflectional form.

Rules that you must remember while Using Prefixes:

1. The spelling of the base word never changes upon adding a prefix.
2. Use a hyphen between the prefix and the root word in the following cases:
   1. When attached to a numeral (pre-1965, post-2010).
   2. When connected to a proper noun (un-American, ex-President).
   3. After the prefixes ‘ex-,’ ‘quasi-,’ and ‘self-’ (self-respect, quasi-static).
   4. To separate letter combinations to avoid mispronunciation (co-worker, anti-intellectual).
   5. To prevent ambiguity (re-cover vs. recover, re-lay vs. relay).
   6. When the root consists of two words (post-World War II, non-English speaking).
   7. When the prefix stands alone (micro- and macroeconomics).