PREFIXES

•to form a new word with a different meaning, a

prefix is added at the beginning of a word.
 For example,
"un-" (prefix) + happy (root word) = unhappy

New word: unhappy which means not happy or sad.

 It is very important to understand the meaning of different

prefixes as they can help you understand the meaning of any new
word you learn. However, you do need to be careful, because
sometimes, a prefix can have more than one meaning.
Today, we are going to learn about the prefixes de- and
dis-. Let’s look at this table.

de- Always used before a verb, to reverse

dis- Used with some nouns, verbs, and

adjectives to give words its opposite
meaning.
the verb’s action.

decompose – to separate into parts

deform – to bend out of shape
down decrease – to reduce
decline – turn down

disobey – fail to behave

disregard - ignore
Read the selection below and answer the exercises that follow:

She’s a Winner!
Few people disagrees that track star Wilma Rudolph was lightning fast. In the
late 1960s,
Americans discovered Rudolph. She was the first American woman to win
three gold medals in one Olympic Game. Born in a poor family, people
started to devalue the young Wilma wore a brace on her left leg. Back then it
was easy to discount her chances for success. But Wilma was not
discouraged by her disability. She took off her brace every time she could. As
her legs grew stronger,
her discomfort disappeared. Her talent left others in disbelief. Today, Wilma
Rudolph is remembered as one of the top athletes of the 20th Century!
SAQ-1: Comprehension Check. Let us try to check your reading
comprehension skills by answering the following questions about the text:
(Answer on the separate sheet provided.)

1. Why did people disagree that Wilma Rudolph was a lightning fast?
2. How did Wilma feel as her legs grew stronger?
3. Why is Wilma Rudolph remembered as one of the top athletes of the
20th century?
SAQ-2: Now, let’s go back to the selection and identify the words with
prefixes dis-and de- then fill out the table.
PREFIX ROOTWORD MEANING

dis- agree fail to agree

aches and pains
pass from sight
handicap
deduct
to lose confidence
SAQ-3: Let us have another activity. Identify the meaning of the underlined words with
prefixes dis- and de-.

1.) My wallet seems to have disappeared.

A. lost B. clear C. visible D. not clear
2.) I think I should sell my car, but dad disagrees.
A. fail to agree B. shouted C. cried D. laugh
3.) The government has decided to devalue its money.
A. steal B. keep C. lessen the value D. save
4.) Try not to let losing discourage you.
A. to lose confidence B. shake C. keep D. save
5.) The patient is still experiencing some discomfort.
A. sickness B. calmness C. uneasiness D. dizziness
Prefix Meaning Example
de-