English Language Arts
Grade 7
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.
Determine the meaning of words containing un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- by analyzing their prefixes and root words.
Explain how prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- change the meaning of a root word.
Apply knowledge of these prefixes to infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary in context.
Construct new words by adding appropriate prefixes (un-, dis-, in-, im-, non-) to given root words.
Utilize words with these prefixes correctly in written sentences to convey precise meaning.
Ever feel like words are playing tricks on you? 🕵️♀️ Sometimes, just a tiny addition can flip a word's meaning completely!
In this lesson, we'll explore powerful little word parts called prefixes: un...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrefixA group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning.In 'unhappy,' 'un-' is the prefix.
Root Word (or Base Word)The main part of a word that carries its primary meaning, to which prefixes and suffixes can be added.In 'disagree,' 'agree' is the root word.
Prefix 'un-'Means 'not' or 'opposite of.' It reverses the meaning of the root word.'Unkind' means 'not kind.'
Prefix 'dis-'Means 'not,' 'opposite of,' or 'away from.' It often indicates negation or reversal.'Dislike' means 'not like.'
Prefixes 'in-' and 'im-'Both mean 'not' or 'without.' 'Im-'...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Negating Power of Prefixes
Prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- almost always change a word's meaning to its opposite or indicate a lack/absence of something.
When you see one of these prefixes, expect the word to mean 'not [root word]' or 'the opposite of [root word].' This is crucial for understanding the overall sentence meaning.
'in-' vs. '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 correct spelling and pronunciation. For example, it's 'impossible' (not 'inpossible') and 'imbalance' (not 'inbalance')....
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Challenging
A scientist needs a term for a substance that is chemically the opposite of an acid but is not a base; it simply lacks any acidic properties. Which word would be the most precise construction?
A.Unacidic
B.Non-acidic
C.Imacidic
D.Disacidic
Challenging
An author describes a dystopian city as having 'unlit streets,' 'disorganized markets,' and 'non-functional transportation.' How does this deliberate word choice contribute to the setting's mood?
A.It creates a mood of cheerful chaos and excitement.
B.It suggests a setting that is peaceful and calm.
C.It establishes a mood of decay, neglect, and failure.
D.It implies the city is new and still developing.
Challenging
A student argues, 'The word 'invest' must mean 'not vest' because it starts with 'in-'.' Based on the tutorial's concepts and pitfalls, why is this reasoning flawed?
A.The prefix 'in-' can only be used with adjectives.
B.The spelling rule requires 'im-' before the letter 'v'.
C.In 'invest,' 'in-' means 'in' or 'into,' not the negating 'not.'
D.The root word 'vest' does not have an opposite meaning.
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