Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Linguistics) An affix placed before a word or base to modify its meaning or create a new word. A "prefix" is a type of morpheme added to the beginning of a root word. For example, adding "un-" to "happy" creates "unhappy."
   • (Formal) A title or designation placed before a person's name. This is a formal use, such as "Dr." in "Dr. Smith" or "Mr." in "Mr. Jones."

2. Verb:

   • To add something, especially a prefix, to the beginning of a word. This is the action of attaching a linguistic prefix.
   • To place something at the beginning; to preface. This broader, more formal use means to add an introduction or element to the start of something.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Linguistics):
  • The word "unusual" contains the prefix "un-."
  • "Pre-" is a common prefix meaning "before," as in "preview."
• Noun (Title):
  • Please use the prefix "Ms." when addressing her.
• Verb (Linguistics):
  • You can prefix "non-" to many adjectives to form their opposites.
• Verb (To place at the beginning):
  • The author prefixed a short poem to the main text.

Advanced Usage

• In computing and telecommunications: A "prefix" can refer to a set of characters at the beginning of a code, string, or number that identifies its type or origin.
  • The international dialing prefix for the United States is +1.
• As a grammatical term: Used to discuss word formation.
  • The process of adding a prefix is called "prefixation."

Variants and Related Words

• Prefixed (Adjective/Verb Past Tense): Describes a word that has a prefix attached or the action of having added one.
  • "Anticlockwise" is a prefixed form of "clockwise."
  • He prefixed his remarks with a thank you.
• Prefixation (Noun): The linguistic process of adding a prefix.

Synonyms

• Noun (Linguistics): Affix (specifically a type of affix).
• Noun (Title): Title, honorific.
• Verb: Prepend (common in technical contexts), preface, introduce.

Antonyms

• Noun (Linguistics): Suffix (an affix added to the end of a word).

Related Phrases / Notes

• Distinction from Suffix: It is crucial to distinguish a "prefix" (at the beginning) from a "suffix" (at the end) and an "infix" (within a word).
• Hyphenation: Some prefixes, like "ex-" in "ex-president," are often hyphenated, while others, like "un-" in "unclear," are not. Style guides provide specific rules.

Noun

1. an affix that is added in front of the word

Verb

1. attach a prefix to
   • prefixed words