It is not always possible for you to learn and retain a complete set of vocabulary in a new language.
As such, when it comes to improving on the vocabulary you have already learnt, you can make huge strides forward by using some simple techniques.
Sometimes all the hard work in the world and you can still find yourself making the same mistakes – it is important to put the work in but sometimes it’s handy to know a few shortcuts or clever ways to get results.
One of these ways is English prefixes.
For anyone who doesn’t know what a prefix is or can’t quite remember, an English prefix is letters that go at the beginning of words, to completely change their meaning.
You can actually not only improve but also increase your vocabulary by learning a few.
Think about the prefix Un which simply means ‘not’. Then use that word un before certain words like:
- Unbelievable – meaning not believable.
- Unmistakable – meaning not mistakable.
- Unpopular – meaning not popular.
Another example is Dis. Again meaning ‘not’:
- Dissatisfied – not satisfied.
- Discontinued – not continued.
- Discomforting – not comfortable.
- Disappointed – not happy.
Or for example Sur meaning ‘over’:
- Surpass – to go overwhat was expected
- Surreal – bizarre, to be overwhat’s normal
By using English prefixes they will add to the vocabulary you already have and will give you a wider set of words with a different meaning.
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