Prefixes · Year 1
In Year 1 you learn: un- and dis- for opposites.
A prefix is a group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning: happy → unhappy, write → rewrite. The spelling of the word itself never changes, so un- + necessary keeps both ns: unnecessary. Knowing what a prefix means helps you work out new words.
Key facts
- un-, dis-, in- mean not or the opposite: unkind, disagree, incorrect. Before a verb un- can mean undo: unlock, unpack.
Worked examples
Example 1
Add un- to each word: do, fair, well.
Answer: undo, unfair, unwell
Example 2
What does unkind mean?
Answer: not kind
Example 3
Use unlock in a sentence.
Answer: Dad unlocked the door with his key.