Negative prefixes
un-, in-, im-, dis-, mis-, which one fits?
The rules
- "Unclear", "un-" is the most common negative prefix.
- Before p/b/m, "in-" becomes "im-": impossible, impatient, immature.
- "Mis-" = wrongly: misunderstand, misspell, mislead.
- "Disagree", "dis-" pairs with agree, appear, honest.
- Before "l", "in-" becomes "il-": illegal, illogical, illegible.
- "Re-" = again: reread, rewrite, rebuild.
Examples
- The instructions were completely unclear.
- It's impossible to finish by Friday.
- misunderstand
- I disagree with the committee's decision.
- illegal
- reread
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.The instructions were completely _____clear.
2.It's _____possible to finish by Friday.
3.Which word means "to understand wrongly"?
4.I _____agree with the committee's decision.
5.Which is the correct opposite of "legal"?