Using Prefixes to Expand Your Vocabulary

What is a Prefix?

You must understand what a root word is in order to understand what a prefix is. A root word is a word you can change into a new word by adding a beginning and/or an ending. A prefix is a beginning that is added to a root word. For example, take the root word "purpose." By adding the prefix "multi" to "purpose," the new word "multipurpose" is formed. Every prefix has its own meaning. When added to a root word, a prefix changes the meaning of the root word to which it is added. The root word "purpose" means "an aim or a goal one wishes to achieve." The prefix "multi" means "many." The new word "multipurpose" means "designed or used for many purposes." Learning to identify prefixes and knowing their meanings are great ways to expand your vocabulary. An expanded vocabulary will increase your listening and speaking comprehension. It will also help you communicate more effectively when writing or taking tests.

Some Common Prefixes

Here are some common prefixes. The meaning of each prefix is shown, as well as words that can be formed by adding the prefix to root words. Using these prefixes and others will expand your vocabulary. Prefix Meaning of Prefix Words Formed Using the Prefix re again replay, resend, replace hyper over hyperactive, hypersensitive, hyperventilate un not unclear, unsure, undecided tri three triangle, tricycle, triweekly pre before prepay, prepackage, predate mis wrong misconduct, misspell, misunderstand sub below subway, substandard, submarine

Some More Prefixes

Here are some more prefixes and their meanings. You can add these prefixes to many root words to form new words and expand your vocabulary. Prefix ante bi equi hypo neo poly semi Meaning before two equal under new many half Prefix auto circum im inter omni retro trans Meaning self around not between all backward across

To build your vocabulary using prefixes, do the following: 1. When you see a prefix whose meaning you do not know, look up its meaning in a dictionary. 2. Write the prefix and its meaning where you can refer to it easily and often. 3. Review the meaning of these prefixes from time to time. 4. Form words by adding these prefixes to root words. 5. Use these words when you speak and write. Watch your vocabulary grow!

Familiarize themselves with the different reference materials available in the Library Develop the basic information-seeking skills Perform effective and efficient access and retrieval of information.
DEFINITION OF REFERENCE MATERIALS Sources of information (databases, abstracts, journals, books, etc) which are used for answering inquiries in a library. Such items are not normally lent, but consulted only on the premises. Dictionary book containing a selection of words of a language or of some special subjects, arranged alphabetically with explanations about them. a book containing the words of a language, or the terms of a subject, arranged in some definite order, usually alphabetic, with explanations of their meaning and use. Encyclopedia a work containing information on all subjects, or limited to a special field or subject, arranged in systematic (usually alphabetical), order. Almanacs and Yearbooks Almanac - a publication, usually an annual, containing a variety of useful facts of miscellaneous nature, and statistical information. It was originally a projection of the coming year by days, months, holidays, etc. (Harrod)- a compendium of useful data and statistics relating to countries, personalities, events, subjects, etc., (Katz) Yearbook - a volume often called an annual, containing current information of a variable nature, in brief descriptive and/or statistical form, which is published once a year. (Harrod)- annual compendium of the data and statistics of a given year. (Katz) Handbooks / Manuals Handbook - a treatise on a specific subject; often nowadays a simple but all-embracing treatment, containing concise information, and being small enough to be held in the hand; but strictly, it is a book written primarily for practitioners and serving for constant revision or reference. Categories of Encyclopedia:

Curiosities questions ranging from customs, traditions, events, superstition to science and the arts. These are mostly answerable by this type of handbook Literary this deals with allusions, identification of plots, characters, incidents, quotations. Statistics this covers statistical information on population, finance, education, business and industry. Documentary this gives exact wording of rules, regulations, laws, decisions, and documents. Parliamentary and debate information regarding questions about conducting meetings, supporting arguments, participation in debates are included here. Specific subject facts relating to subject areas like government, education, history, geography, sports, science and technology.

Geographical sources Map a plane representation of the earths surface, or a part of some, indicating physical feature, political boundaries, etc. (Harrod) Atlas a collection of maps or plates or other exhibits bound in a volume. (Shores) Gazetteer alphabetic list of place names including such information for each place as pronunciation, location, description, and statistics. (Shores) Geographical dictionaries- dictionaries usually of place names. (Katz) Guidebook book of direction and information, especially one for travelers, tourist, etc. (Webster) Globe a spherical model of the earth. (Webster)
Class of Questions: People Class of Questions: Language Sample Types: Definition, spelling, symbols, foreign terms, usage Representative Sources: Dictionary Class of Questions: Places Class of Questions: Background Sample Types: History, general information, self education Representative Sources: Encyclopedia Class of Questions: Organizations Class of Questions: Trend Sample Types: Current events, past years development, recent happenings Representative Sources: Yearbook, Serials/Almanac Sample Types: Addresses, purposes Representative Sources: Dictionary Sample Types: Locations, descriptions, distances, population, etc., area measurement Gazetteer, atlas, map, guidebooks, globes Sample Types: Notables, specialists, socialists, etc. Representative Sources: Biographical Dictionary, Directories

Class of Questions: Facts

Sample Types: Curiosities, statistics, events, formulas, allusions Representative Sources: Handbook

Class of Questions: Activities Sample Types: How to do, How to make Representative Sources: Manual

Class of Questions: Bibliography Sample Types: Review, best books, subject literature Representative Sources: National, trade, subject bibliography

Class of Questions: Illustrations Sample Types: Pictures, cartoons, slides, films, recordings Representative Sources: Audio-Visual Material