Answer Key

Prefixes (1)

Use the words in brackets to form adjectives, nouns and verbs with the help of prefixation.
  1. She was always  [hypercritical] (critical) of her husband, complaining about every little thing he did. No wonder he decided he had no choice but to ask for a divorce. 
  2. Unfortunately, nobody had been able to  [foresee] (see) the problem before we had committed quite a bit of time and effort into the project. 
  3. The percentage of  [overweight] (weight) children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate. 
  4. We should  [encourage] (courage) her to get  [remarried](married). We wouldn't want her to get too used to living alone. 
  5. I've bought a book that shows how to use the power of thought and your  [subconscious](conscious) mind to create success and happiness. 
  6. There's one thing you really might want to keep in mind: nobody's  [irreplaceable](replaceable)! 
  7. When an iPod is connected to a computer, there are times damage could occur if it is [disconnected] (connect) by simply  [unplugging] (plug) the USB cable. 
  8. It was  [invaluable] (valuable) help at a very difficult time in my life and led to the training I needed to get a new job. 
  9. The shelter staff was accused of the  [mistreatment] (treatment) of animals. 
  10. I don't know what's wrong with her. She has been very  [disorganized] (organized) and  [discontent] (content) since she came back from holiday. 

Common adjective prefixes

In- Inaccurate, incorrect, indecent
Il- Illegal, illegible, illiterate
Ir- Irrelevant, irreplaceable, irrational
Im- Immoral, immature, impatient
Un- Uncomfortable, unjust, unfair
Non- Non-political, non-verbal, non-existent
Dis- Dissatisfied, disorganized, disqualified
Sub- Subconscious, substandard, suburban
Hyper- Hyperactive, hypercritical, hyperdynamic

Common noun prefixes

Non- Non-smoker, nonentity, non-event
Dis- Disappearance, disqualification, disability
Mis- Misprint, misfortune, misadventure
Co- Co-pilot, co-driver, co-author
Ex- Ex-husband, ex-wife, ex-mayor,
Re- Resettlement, reconstruction, restoration
Over- Overweight, overinvestment, overconsumption
Under- Underweight, underboss, undersupply
Pre- Preconception, pre-diagnosis, pre-activation
Sub- Subcontractor, subway, submarine

Common verb prefixes

Over- Overthrow, overeat, overwork
Under- Undercook, underline, undercharge
En- Encourage, endanger, enslave
Un- Unpack, unwrap, undo
De- Defrost, decode, deconstruct
Re- Redecorate, reassure, rebuilt,
Pre- Prearrange, preannounce, preconceive
Dis- Disconnect, discourage, discredit
Fore- Foresee, forecast, foretell
Out- Outnumber, outlive, outperform