Words with sub-

Key Notes:-

Understanding the Prefix ‘sub-‘

The prefix ‘sub-‘ comes from Latin and generally means:

• Under
• Below
• Less than
• Secondary

By adding ‘sub-‘ to the beginning of a word, we can significantly alter its meaning. Let’s explore some common examples.

Examples of Words with ‘sub-‘

Word	Definition and Explanation
Submarine	A vessel that travels under the sea.
Subheading	A heading that is under a main heading, providing a more specific topic.
Subway	An underground railway.
Subtitle	Text that appears at the bottom of a screen, often translating dialogue or providing additional information; positioned under the main visual.
Subconscious	The part of the mind that is below conscious awareness.
Substitute	A person or thing that takes the place of another; acting as a secondary option.

How ‘sub-‘ Changes Meaning

The prefix ‘sub-‘ provides a clear indicator of a word’s altered meaning. Consider these examples:

• Standard vs. Substandard: ‘Standard’ implies a required level of quality. ‘Substandard’ means below the required standard.
• Tropical vs. Subtropical: ‘Tropical’ refers to regions near the equator. ‘Subtropical’ refers to regions adjacent to the tropics, sharing some characteristics but not fully tropical.
• Total vs. Subtotal: ‘Total’ represents the complete sum. ‘Subtotal’ is a sum calculated before final additions or deductions.

Practice Exercise

Complete the following sentences using a word with the prefix ‘sub-‘:

1. The _______ clauses provide additional details to the main contract.
2. The diver explored the ocean using a _______.
3. The actor had to use a _______ because he was sick.
4. The _______ regions of the Earth have warmer temperatures than more northern regions.
5. Your _________ is the part of your mind that you are not aware of.

Summary

Today, we have explored the prefix ‘sub-‘ and its impact on word meanings. We’ve learned that ‘sub-‘ generally indicates something that is under, below, less than, or secondary. By understanding this prefix, you can better decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary.

let’s practice!