4.76 Forming negative statements: negative affixes

A prefix such as 'un-' or 'dis-' can be added to the beginning of some words to give them the opposite meaning. Words with prefixes can be looked up in any good dictionary. The suffix '-less' is added to the end of words to give them a negative meaning.

• She asked us to her house which was very small and untidy.
• At last Janet sat down, as she was breathless.

Here is a list of common negative prefixes:

• a-, anti-, counter-, de-, dis-, ex-, il-, im-, in-, ir-, mal-, mis-, non-, un-