Vocabulary Topic 2(a) - Prefixes (1)

Vocabulary – Topic 2(a) 
Prefixes (1)

Prefixes are letters we place at the beginning of words to change the meaning of these words. The prefixes have different meanings. Some mean numbers, some mean ‘before’ and some mean ‘big’.  

The following prefixes mean ‘not’.

Prefixes with ‘in’
inability	incorrect
inactive	incredible
incompatible	independent
incompetent	insignificant
incomplete	insufficient

Prefixes with ‘im’
imbalance	impatient
immature	imperfect
immeasurable	impolite
immobile	impossible
immoral	impure

Prefixes with ‘il’
illegal	illicit
illegible	illiterate
illegitimate	illogical

Prefixes with ‘ir’
irrational	irreplaceable
irregular	irresponsible
irrelevant	irreverent

Prefixes with ‘un’
unable	unequal
unacceptable	uneven
unaffordable	unfinished
unafraid	uninterested
unapproved	uninteresting
unaware	unkind
unbelievable	unknown
uncertain	unnatural
uncommon	unnecessary
unconscious	unusual

Let’s Practise

Complete the sentences by adding the correct prefix to the words in the brackets.

1.     The accident victim lay ________________ (conscious) by the side of the road.

2.     It is ________________ (legal) to sell alcohol and cigarettes to those who are underage.

3.     Cheryl is an ________________ (responsible) student who does not hand in her homework punctually.

4.     All the answers on the quiz are ________________ (correct). You must sit for the re-test.

5.     Eating ________________  (regular) meals took a toll on her health.

6.     The children found the exhibits at the museum ________________  (interesting).

7.      It would be ________________ (possible) to travel from one town to the next in such a short time.

8.     Your handwriting is ________________ (legible). I cannot read what you are writing.

9.     Despite her age, she is ________________ (dependent) and can take care of herself when her parents are at work.

10.  The victims faced ________________ (measurable) suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Answers:

1.     unconscious

2.     illegal

3.     irresponsible

4.     incorrect

5.     irregular

6.     uninteresting

7.     impossible

8.     illegible

9.     independent

10.  immeasurable