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The word 'submarine' uses the prefix 'sub'.

Prefixes

Master common prefixes that show time and order: pre, post, re, sub, super. Spot them to unlock word meanings quickly in reading and writing.

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Fascinating Fact:

Time and order prefixes: pre before, post after, re again, sub under, super above. Examples: preheat, postwar, rewrite, submarine, superhuman.

In 11 Plus English, prefixes change a word’s meaning by adding information at the start. Knowing pre, post, re, sub, and super helps you decode new vocabulary quickly.

Key Terms

Prefix: A group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.
Root: The basic part of a word that holds the core meaning, such as view in preview.
Derivation: A new word formed by adding prefixes or suffixes to a root.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What does the prefix pre mean?

Pre means before. Examples include preview meaning look before, and prehistory meaning the time before recorded history.

What is the difference between a prefix and a suffix?

A prefix goes at the start of a word and changes its meaning. A suffix goes at the end and often changes word class or tense.

How can prefixes help me guess word meanings?

Split the word into prefix and root. Use the prefix meaning plus the root to infer a definition, then confirm with a dictionary if needed.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Un-

before

not

after

one

For example: unavailable, unmovable, unhappy. There are also other prefixes that mean 'not': 'a-' (asexual); 'il-', 'im-', 'in', 'ir-' (inadequate, illiterate, immoral, irrational). LEARN these prepositions and their uses

2 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Semi-

whole

quarter

half

three

For example: semi-detached; semi-automatic; semicircle

3 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Multi-

many

few

none

some

For example: multilingual; multicoloured; multi-storey

4 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Mid-

in the middle of

behind

in front of

to the side of

For example: mid-Atlantic; mid-afternoon; midbrain

5 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Anti-

in favour of

undecided

before

against

For example: antidote; anticlockwise; anti-abortion. 'Contr(a)' and 'Counter' also mean against: contradiction; counter-revolution. LEARN these prepositions and their uses

6 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Pro-

professional

against

in favour of

undecided

For example: pro-life; proactive; pro-English

7 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Sub-

substitute

over

below

behind

For example: submarine; subordinate; subalpine

8 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Post-

postage

after

postman

before

For example: post-mortem; post-natal; post-date; post meridian (p.m.). 'Meta' also means after: metamorphosis. LEARN these prepositions and their uses

9 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Pre-

one before the end

now

after

before

For example: pre-Columbian; preview; preposition. 'Ante' and 'fore' also mean before: antenatal; forecast. LEARN these prepositions and their uses

10 .

What is the meaning of the given prefix?
Ante-

before

against

to the side of

behind

For example: ante meridian (a.m.); antechamber; antedate. 'Pre' and 'fore' also mean before: pre-Columbian; foretell. LEARN these prepositions and their uses

Author: Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)