THE prefix derivation is the type of derivation in which if add prefixes to the root of the word, in order to create other terms, such as:
- nouns
- adjectives
- verbs
Read too: Improper derivation - changing the grammatical class of a word without changing the form
What is prefix derivation?
Prefix derivation, also called prefixing, is one in which, based on the root of an original term, add one prefix to create words. In other words, an affix is added before the stem (hence called a prefix), generating a new term based on that one.
In Portuguese, the most common prefixes are of Latin or Greek origin.
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Prefix Derivation Examples
In prefix derivation, the original word stems are kept completely or partially, while prefixes give them new meanings. Notice, in the examples below, how each prefix adds its own meaning to generate the derived word:
Word |
Word |
mobile |
selfmobile |
happy |
inhappy |
arm |
beforearm |
migrate |
andmigrate, imigrate |
run |
perrun |
to read |
reto read |
author |
coauthor |
concept |
preconcept |
Score |
againstScore |
to do |
desto do |
version |
introversion |
Read too:Regressive derivation - reduction of the original word to form a new one
solved exercises
Question 1 - (Funrio - adapted) The word that does not have a prefix is:
A) unfair
B) discredit
C) reveal
D) viscount
E) evil
Resolution
Alternative E. The word “evil” actually has a suffix but not a prefix.
Question 2 - (Acep - adapted)
Tick the alternative where "infras" NO is prefix.
A) Offender
B) Offense
C) Inframediocre
D) Infraglottic
E) Infraplaced
Resolution
Alternative B. The word “infrato” is not made up of the prefix “infra”.
By Guilherme Viana
grammar teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
VIANA, William. "Prefix derivation (prefixation)"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/derivacao-prefixal-prefixacao.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
