Create an Antonym Using a Prefix

Welcome word detective, we’ve got a puzzle for you to solve!  

Are you ready for the challenge?

 

How are the two words below related?

Pronounce       Mispronounce

 

 

They mean the opposite of each other. Words that mean the opposite of each other are called antonyms.

Lots of antonyms to words can be made by adding a prefix. A prefix is a group of letters that goes in front of a word.

For example, to make the antonym of pronounce, the prefix mis- is added in front of the word to make mispronounce.

 

The prefix mis- can also be added in front of the following words to make their antonyms:

Understand > Misunderstand

Interpret > Misinterpret

Can you think of any others?

We can also add the prefixes im-, in-, un-, dis-, ir- and il- in front of words to find their antonyms.

Which prefix do we put in front of the word pure to make an antonym for the word?

The answer is im because im + pure = impure.

 

 

The water we drink is purified so that it doesn't make us sick, which is why we don't drink impure water.

   

Pssst!!             Here's a handy hint to help you reach superstar status:             Remember you're looking for a word with the opposite meaning.

 

Now it’s time for you to find some antonyms!

Good luck.