±«Óătv

An illustration of a young girl thinking.

What is a prefix?

Prefixes are a group of letters that change the meaning of a word when they are added to the start.

Most prefixes mean a similar thing when they're added to different words.

The prefix un- usually means not. For example:

  • unhappy
  • unlocked
  • unfair

The prefixes dis- and mis- usually have negative meanings. For example:

  • disagree
  • disobey
  • misbehave

The prefix re- usually means again or back. For example:

  • redo
  • reappear
  • redecorate

The prefix sub- usually means under. For example:

  • subheading
  • submarine
An illustration of a young girl thinking.
Back to top

Watch: How to use prefixes

Fudge, Pudge and Grudge learn about what a prefix is.

Find out what prefixes are with Bitesize KS1 English.

Back to top

Activity 1

Back to top

Activity 2

Back to top

Activity 3

Back to top

Activity 4

Back to top

Karate Cats English game. game

Head to the dojo to become an expert in spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Karate Cats English game
Back to top

More on Writing

Find out more by working through a topic