English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-
Words with un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non-
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- in given words.
Define the common meaning of each prefix (un-, dis-, in-, im-, non-) as 'not' or 'opposite of'.
Determine how these prefixes change the meaning of a root word.
Use context clues to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words containing these prefixes.
Correctly apply the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- to root words to form new words.
Explain the difference in meaning between a root word and its prefixed form.
Use words with these prefixes accurately in their own writing.
Have you ever felt 'unhappy' 🙁 or 'disagreed' with a friend? Those words have special parts that change their meaning!
In this lesson, we'll explore five powerful prefixe...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA word part added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning.In the word 'unhappy', 'un-' is the prefix.
Root WordThe basic word to which prefixes and suffixes are added. It carries the primary meaning.In the word 'unhappy', 'happy' is the root word.
Negative PrefixA type of prefix that reverses or negates the meaning of the root word, often meaning 'not' or 'opposite of'.The prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- are all negative prefixes.
un-A prefix meaning 'not' or 'opposite of'.unfold (opposite of fold), unkind (not kind)
dis-A prefix meaning 'not', 'opposite of', or 'apart'.dislike (not like), disconnect (apart from connect)
in-/im-Pref...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Prefix Meaning Rule
The prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- generally change the meaning of a root word to its opposite or negative form.
When you see one of these prefixes, think 'not' or 'the opposite of' the root word. For example, 'agree' means to share the same opinion, so 'disagree' means not to share the same opinion.
in-/im- Spelling Rule
Use 'im-' before root words that begin with the letters 'm', 'p', or 'b'. Use 'in-' before root words that begin with other letters.
This rule helps with pronunciation and spelling. For instance, it's 'impossible' (im- + possible) and 'imbalance' (im- + balance), but 'invisible' (in- + visible) and 'in...
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Challenging
Read the following passage: 'The committee's decision was illogical. It was based on incomplete data and ignored the inconvenient truths presented by the opposition. This injustice cannot stand.' What is the author's tone, and how do the prefixed words contribute to it?
A.Joyful; the words show a fun and happy situation.
B.Neutral; the words are used only to state facts without emotion.
C.Confused; the words show the author does not understand the topic.
D.Critical and argumentative; the words 'illogical', 'incomplete', 'inconvenient', and 'injustice' build a strong negative argument.
Challenging
A student argues, 'The prefixes un- and dis- are interchangeable because they both mean 'not'. For example, 'unagree' and 'disagree' mean the same thing.' Which statement best refutes this argument using evidence from the tutorial?
A.The argument is correct because 'un-' and 'dis-' are listed together as negative prefixes.
B.The argument is flawed because 'unagree' is not a standard English word; the tutorial notes that many words only take one specific prefix.
C.The argument is flawed because 'un-' is only for reversing actions and 'dis-' is only for showing opposition.
D.The argument is correct because context clues can make any prefix work with any root word.
Challenging
The city council claimed their new recycling plan was a 'non-issue' for most citizens. However, a reporter argued it was an 'unsettling' development that would 'displease' many residents. By choosing these specific words, what is the reporter trying to imply?
A.That the plan is both safe and popular.
B.That the issue is not just a simple absence of a problem ('non-issue'), but an active source of negative feelings ('unsettling', 'displease').
C.That the city council and the reporter are in complete agreement.
D.That the plan is impossible to implement.
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