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Date:______/_____/______

VOCABULARY - WORD FORMATION: NEGATIVE PREFIXES

We sometimes add prefixes (un- , dis-, etc) or suffixes (-ful, -less) to change the meaning
of a word. We use the negative prefixes to form words with the opposite meaning.
Examples:
conscious unconscious
possible impossible
correct incorrect
responsible irresponsible
respect disrespect
Whatever happens, Judy is always smiling. She never seems to be unhappy or
shows discontentment.
Make the opposite of the words by adding a prefix and write them under the heading.
ambitious
loyal
reliable
un -

appear
mature
selfish
dis-

believable
organized
sensitive

common
patient
similar
im-

formal
polite
usual
in-

honest
regular
ir-

Sit with a partner and write down as many words with a negative prefix as you can
remember.
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Chose 4 pairs of the adjectives above and write eight sentences

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