Prefixes: Un, Dis, Im, Mis 

Unstoppable fans, unmistakable passion! In today’s lesson learn how un-, dis-, im-, and mis- change a word’s game!

What is a prefix? 

A prefix is placed at the beginning of a word to change its meaning. They’re a quick way to create new words and express the opposite of something.  

 For example, the prefix re- generally means either “again”: 

• redecorate (to decorate again): We’re going to redecorate our bathroom. 
• remake (to make again): They’re remaking ‘Lilo and Stitch’. 
• reread (read again): I love that book, I’ll probably reread it soon.  

In this lesson, we’re looking at four prefixes that often cause confusion: un, dis, im, and mis. These prefixes all give words a negative or opposite meaning. 

un-

The prefix un usually means not, the opposite of, or to reverse an action. 

Examples:

• unfair (not fair) 
• unable (not able) 
• untie (to reverse the action of tying) 

mis-

mis means wrong or badly — it often suggests a mistake or misunderstanding. 

Examples:

• mistake (a wrong action or decision) 
• misunderstand (to understand incorrectly) 
• misplace (to put something in the wrong place) 

dis-

dis also means not or the opposite of. It can suggest a lack of connection or agreement. 

Examples:

• disagree (to not agree) 
• disconnect (to break a connection) 
• disapprove (to not approve) 

im-

im means not or the opposite of — it’s often used before words that start with m or p. 

Examples:

• impossible (not possible) 
• impolite (not polite) 
• impatient (not patient) 

Tip: Even though these prefixes all show a kind of negative meaning, they can’t always be used interchangeably. Some words just “sound right” with one prefix and not another. Reading and listening regularly helps you get a natural feel for them.