Word
prefix
Phoneticspre·fix, stress on the first syllable
/ˈpɹifɪks/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. In computing, it can also be a set of numbers or characters at the start of a string.
n. an affix placed before the stem of a word to modify its meaning or create a new word. In technical contexts, refers to a sequence of characters or digits at the beginning of a data string or address.
Examples
“The prefix 'un-' changes the meaning of 'happy' to 'unhappy'.”
“When calling an international number, you must first dial the correct country prefix before the local digits.”
“Linguistic analysis shows that the prefix 'pre-' originates from Latin, signifying priority in time or rank, and remains one of the most productive morphemes in modern academic English.”
Examples
simple
“The prefix 'un-' changes the meaning of 'happy' to 'unhappy'.”
contextual
“When calling an international number, you must first dial the correct country prefix before the local digits.”
complex
“Linguistic analysis shows that the prefix 'pre-' originates from Latin, signifying priority in time or rank, and remains one of the most productive morphemes in modern academic English.”
Usage
In grammar, it is often contrasted with 'suffix'. In computing, it frequently refers to network address segments.
Real-World Examples
“The “cis-” and “trans-” prefixes , much like L- and D-, describe how the same atoms in two isomers are arranged differently in space.” “Prefixes and suffixes like United, City, FC, AC aren’t included.” Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin praefīxum, from Latin praefīxus, past participle of praefīgō (“I (fix, fasten, set up) in front”, “I fix on the (end, extremity)”) (from prae- (“before”) + fīgō (“I fix”, “I fasten”, “I affix”)), equivalent to pre- + -fix. Doublet of the archaic synonym prefixum.
From Middle English prefixen, from Middle French prefixer, from Latin praefīxus, past participle of praefīgō (“I (fix, fasten, set up) in front”, “I fix on the (end, extremity)”) (from prae- (“before”) + fīgō (“I fix”, “I fasten”, “I affix”)), equivalent to pre- + -fix.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/prefix