Words with un-, dis-, in-, im- and non-

Key Notes:-

🔹 1. Understanding Prefixes

Prefixes are word parts added to the beginning of a base word to change its meaning.
Un-, dis-, in-, im-, and non- are all negative prefixes — they create opposite or negative meanings.

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🔹 2. Prefix Meanings and Examples

Prefix	Meaning	Examples
Un-	Not or opposite of	Unhappy (not happy), Unlock (opposite of lock), Unsafe (not safe)
Dis-	Not, opposite of, or reversal	Disagree (not agree), Disappear (go away), Disconnect (break the connection)
In-	Not or into	Incapable (not capable), Incorrect (not correct), Include (bring into)
Im-	Not — used before words starting with m or p	Impossible (not possible), Imperfect (not perfect), Immovable (cannot be moved)
Non-	Not or without	Nonsense (without sense), Nonstop (without stopping), Nonfiction (not fiction, true story)

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🔹 3. How to Use These Prefixes Correctly

• Un- is commonly used for adjectives and verbs (e.g., unfair, uncover).
• Dis- often shows reversal or removal (e.g., dislike, disappear).
• In- and im- are tricky — im- is used when the base word starts with m or p (e.g., impatient, immortal).
• Non- is straightforward and often used for nouns or adjectives (e.g., nonbeliever, nonessential).

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🔹 4. Exceptions and Confusions

• Un- vs. Dis-:
  • Unfriendly (lacking friendliness) vs. Dislike (actively feel dislike).
• In- vs. Im-:
  • Insecure (not secure) vs. Impossible (not possible — starts with p).
• Non- is more neutral and formal than un- or dis-.
  • Nonexistent sounds more formal than unreal.

let’s practice!