1.6.1 Vocabulary – Word Formation with Prefixes

 

Vocabulary – Word Formation with Prefixes

(Professional English | 16–20 Marks)

Introduction

Vocabulary plays a vital role in effective communication, especially in academic and professional contexts. One important aspect of vocabulary development is word formation, which helps learners understand, create, and use new words accurately. Among the methods of word formation, prefixation is widely used in English. A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning without changing its grammatical category.

According to English for Science & Technology (Cambridge University Press, 2021), understanding prefixes enhances reading comprehension and technical vocabulary, particularly for engineering and science students.

Meaning of Prefix

A prefix is a morpheme added at the beginning of a base word or root word to form a new word with a changed meaning.

Example:

  • Possible → Impossible

  • Legal → Illegal

Here, the prefix changes the meaning of the original word.

Importance of Prefixes in Professional English

Prefixes are extensively used in:

  • Academic texts

  • Scientific and technical writing

  • Professional communication

  • Competitive examinations

They help learners:

  • Guess meanings of unfamiliar words

  • Expand vocabulary

  • Improve reading speed and comprehension

  • Use precise language in professional contexts

Common Prefixes and Their Meanings

1. Negative Prefixes

These prefixes express opposition or negation.

PrefixMeaningExamples
un-notunhappy, unfair
in- / im- / il- / ir-notinactive, impossible, illegal, irregular
non-notnontechnical, nonviolent
dis-opposite ofdishonest, disconnect

2. Prefixes of Degree or Size

These prefixes indicate extent or intensity.

PrefixMeaningExamples
super-abovesuperhuman, supervisor
sub-belowsubmarine, substandard
over-excessiveoverload, overwork
under-insufficientunderestimate, underpaid

3. Prefixes Related to Time and Order

These prefixes show time, sequence, or repetition.

PrefixMeaningExamples
pre-beforepreview, pretest
post-afterpostgraduate, postwar
re-againrewrite, reappear
fore-earlierforecast, foretell

4. Prefixes Related to Number

These prefixes denote quantity or number.

PrefixMeaningExamples
mono-onemonologue
bi-twobilingual
multi-manymultinational
poly-manypolytechnic

Prefixes in Technical and Professional Contexts

In technical communication, prefixes are frequently used to convey precise meanings.

Examples:

  • Microprocessor (micro = small)

  • International (inter = between)

  • Automation (auto = self)

  • Cybersecurity (cyber = digital/computer-based)

Such vocabulary is essential for students of engineering, science, and management.

Advantages of Learning Prefixes

  • Improves vocabulary power

  • Helps decode complex technical terms

  • Enhances exam performance

  • Develops confidence in professional communication

As stated in Professional English by Raman & Sharma (2019), vocabulary building through prefixes is a foundational skill for learners aiming for professional excellence.

Conclusion

Word formation with prefixes is an effective and systematic way to expand vocabulary in English. By understanding common prefixes and their meanings, learners can easily interpret new words and use them correctly in academic and professional contexts. Mastery of prefixes not only improves language competence but also supports success in examinations and workplace communication.

References

  1. Veena Selvam et al. (2021). English for Science & Technology. Cambridge University Press.

  2. Anbazhagan Vijay, J. (2017). Communicative English. Global Publishers, Chennai.

  3. Raman, M. & Sharma, S. (2019). Professional English. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.

  4. Chellammal, V. (2003). Learning to Communicate. Allied Publishing House, New Delhi.

  5. Using English. (2017). Orient Blackswan, Chennai.

  6. OER – Authentic Open Educational Resources.






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