prefix: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “prefix” mean?
A letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning or create a new word.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning or create a new word.
A title (like Dr., Mr.) placed before a name; an area code or code placed before a number; an initial part or segment of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In telecommunications, the UK term 'dialling code' is more common, while 'prefix' or 'area code' is used in the US.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US academic/technical writing due to widespread computing terminology (e.g., file prefixes).
Grammar
How to Use “prefix” in a Sentence
prefix [sth] to [sth]prefix [sth] with [sth][prefix] + [root word]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prefix” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please prefix your report with the project code.
- All international calls must be prefixed with 00.
American English
- You need to prefix the filename with 'FINAL_'.
- The system automatically prefixes each order with a date code.
adjective
British English
- The prefix element is crucial in this morphological analysis.
- He studied the prefix morphology of Old English.
American English
- The prefix code is required for the long-distance call.
- Check the prefix characters in the string.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to codes in telephone numbers, invoice numbers, or product codes.
Academic
Central to linguistics, morphology, and grammar studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing phone numbers, titles (Mr., Dr.), or basic word formation.
Technical
Used in computing (filename prefixes), telecommunications, and mathematics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prefix”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prefix”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prefix”
- Confusing 'prefix' with 'suffix'.
- Using 'prefix' as a verb incorrectly: 'They prefixed the document' (needs object: 'They prefixed a title to the document').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary use is linguistic, it is also common in telecommunications (phone prefixes), computing (file prefixes), and for titles (name prefixes).
A prefix is attached to the beginning of a word (e.g., 'un-' in 'undo'). A suffix is attached to the end (e.g., '-ed' in 'walked').
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to put before' or 'to add as a prefix' (e.g., 'Prefix the title "Dr." to his name').
No. The spelling 'prefix' is identical in both British and American English.
A letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning or create a new word.
Prefix is usually formal, academic, technical, neutral in register.
Prefix: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpriːfɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpriːfɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'pre-' as a prefix”
- “name prefix”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PRE' means BEFORE. A PREFIX is FIXed BEFORE a word.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HEADER or LEADER; something that goes in front to guide or modify what follows.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a function of a prefix?