20 French Prefixes That Can Enhance Your Vocabulary Abilities

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Simply as cognates make it simpler to study a brand new language, French prefixes provide the identical benefit. You’ll discover a lot of them to be related (if not similar) to English prefixes! Plus, they help you infer which means from phrases you don’t know but. 

The similarities stem from their shared lexical legacy. Though English isn’t a Romance language like French, their shut proximity and mutual Latin historical past hyperlinks again to the Romans, so that you’ll discover quite a lot of overlapping phrases like ambidextre (“ambi-” which means “two” or “each”) to prévisible (“pré-” which means “earlier than”). Once you use the Rosetta Stone App, you’ll be capable to see plenty of examples of French prefixes within the tales and classes you study.

Why French prefixes are so necessary

Prefixes in French (and even English) aren’t only for present; they’ve a direct affect on a phrase’s which means. Although not phrases themselves, prefixes operate as “morphemes.” Morphemes are what linguists name the smallest models of which means in a language. For instance, the prefix “anti–,” which means “in opposition to”, can’t be damaged down additional. Neither “an-” nor “ti-” imply something by themselves. It’s solely with the total prefix “anti-” that any which means is communicated.

However “anti-” can’t fairly stand by itself although. It wants extra description to speak an entire thought. That’s why you’ll use the French prefix “anti-” together with different nouns and adjectives akin to delinquent or antiallergique (anti-allergic).

Including a prefix to the start of a phrase makes communication simpler and extra succinct. For instance, when attempting to explain the sensation of indecision, one may specific it in varied methods:

• Pierre adore son travail, mais on lui a proposé un nouveau poste. = Pierre loves his job, however he was provided a brand new job alternative.

Or we may describe this battle between two selections as ambivalent (having opposing emotions). An instance would appear to be the next:

• Pierre est ambivalent à l’idée de changer de travail, partagé entre l’excitation d’une nouvelle opportunité et la peur de quitter sa zone de confort. = He’s ambivalent on the thought of adjusting jobs, torn between the thrill of a brand new job alternative and the worry of leaving his consolation zone.

Prefixes just like the “r-” in racheter (to purchase once more), for instance, assist us talk the redundancy of a sure motion. And if we have to redo one thing, we are able to simply discover the phrase to speak this by combining “r-” with the verb faire (to do/make) to say:

• On a fait trop de fautes. Donc, il faut refaire le projet. = We made too many errors. Subsequently, now we have to redo the venture.

Briefly, prefixes can take the wordiness out of on a regular basis speech. They will particularly assist newbie and intermediate learners converse naturally, while not having to over clarify your ideas.

Some variations between prefixes in French and English

Although many of the prefixes on this article are extremely recognizable and simply understood by English audio system, some are much less acquainted. French has its personal method of making certain prefixes operate in a different way from English. 

For instance, the “un-”  in “limitless” turns into an “il-” in illimité. Others are used equally, however with completely different phrases to characterize them, such because the “sous-” in sous-marin (submarine). Right here, sous successfully interprets to the English “sub-” prefix. 

As all the time, you’ll need to keep conscious of French grammar, particularly regarding gender guidelines. The phrase superstitieux (superstitious), turns into superstitieuse when describing female nouns however modifications to superstitieuses when describing plural female nouns. In the event you’re unsure easy methods to alter for gendered nouns, simply know that French audio system will typically perceive what you imply because you’re simply beginning to study French.

Listing of 20 widespread French prefixes

That can assist you study the prefixes in French, dive into this listing that reveals examples of easy methods to use them. When relevant, the masculine is listed first, with the female ending added after the slash so you possibly can determine which one to make use of. The exception is supersticieux, the place the female type is spelled out fully.

1. Ambi- (two, each)

“Ambi-” refers to 2 of one thing, significantly with regard two sides or two issues coexisting on the similar time. 

• ambidextre = ambidextrous 
• ambigu/ë = ambiguous 
• ambivalent/e = ambivalent 

2. A-/an– (missing, not)

“A-/An-” is used to negate a phrase’s definition and switch it into an antonym. They aren’t to be confused with “anti-” which suggests “in opposition to.” 

• amoral = not ethical or amoral
• anaérobique = anaerobic
• analphabète = illiterate

3. Anti- (in opposition to, against)

“Anti-” refers to one thing being “in opposition to” or “against” one thing else. That is utilized in the identical method as it’s in English.

• antiallergique = anti-allergic
• antibactérien = antibacterial
• antigel = antifreeze

4. Auto- (self, similar)

“Auto-” means “by oneself” or “pertaining to oneself.” Like English, it refers to one thing that’s for, about, or by oneself. Many of the phrases that use it are simply recognizable.

• autobiographie = autobiography
• automatique = automated, self-operating
• vehicle = vehicle

5. Bene- (nicely, good)

“Bene-” refers to one thing that’s both good or promotes wellness. It has a spread of purposes from the bodily to the chic and metaphysical high quality of phrases like bénédiction (blessing).

• bénédiction = benediction/blessing
• bénéfices = advantages
• un/une bénévole = volunteer

6. Bien- (nicely, good)

“Bien-” additionally refers to one thing that’s good or promotes goodness, wellness, well-being, and many others. This French prefix can be utilized by itself to imply one thing that can be a great (like a industrial good or client good). In French, you possibly can say Ils ont contrôlé leurs biens à la frontière, which suggests they inspected their items on the border.

• bienfaiteur/bienfaitrice = benefactor
• bienveillant/e = benevolent, sort, charitable
• bientôt = quickly

7. Bi- (double)

“Bi-” signifies one thing that’s both made from two or capable of be doubled. Watch out to not confuse “bi-” with “ambi-,” which refers to “two” within the sense of sides or opposites. “Bi-” capabilities as designating two issues that coexist on the similar time, with no specific aspect or opposition concerned.

• bilatéral = bilateral
• bilingue = bilingual
• bipédal = bipedal (two toes)

8. Contre-/contra- (in opposition to)

“Contre-/contra-” signifies one thing that’s in opposition to or against one thing else or will be countered. 

• une contradiction = a contradiction
• un contraste = a distinction
• un contretemps = a setback, actually “in opposition to time”

9. Dé-/dés- (not, separate from)

“Dé-/dés-” signifies a separation, interruption, or reversal of one thing. In English, it usually interprets as “dis-” or “un-.” It’s generally utilized in verb or adjective type.

• déconnecter = to disconnect
• défaire = to undo
• désabonner = to unsubscribe

10. Demi– (half)

“Demi-” interprets to its English equal of “demi,” “half,” or “semi.” An English speaker may perceive a sentence like Il a commandé un demi-pint (he ordered a half-pint).

• un demi-cercle = a half-circle
• la demi-finale = the semi-final
• une demi-pinte = a half-pint

11. Dys- (ailing, unhealthy)

“Dys-” communicates an ailing or unhealthy state of one thing. It often interprets on to English as the identical prefix “dys-”.  

• un dysfonctionnement = dysfunction
• la dyslexie = dyslexia
• la dystopie = dystopia

12. É-/ex- (exterior of)

“É-/ex-” signifies one thing that’s exterior of one thing else. You can too use it to convey an motion that seeks to go exterior of an object or thought.

• élargir = to broaden 
• exclure = to exclude
• l’extérieur (m.) = the outside 

13. En-/em- (inside, in)

“En-/em-” is used to explain the act being contained or introduced into a bigger entire. The phrase enregistrer, although translated to English as “file,” actually means to “in-register” one thing. In different phrases, it means “to doc its presence in a single’s information.”

• emballer = to wrap 
• enregistrer = to file
• entrer = to enter

14. Ailing-/im-/in-/ir- (reverse)

“Ailing-/im-/in-/ir-” refers back to the reverse of no matter follows it within the phrase. On this method, these prefixes translate to their English equal of “il” as in “unlawful.” Nevertheless, it additionally interprets to “un-” in sure English phrases.

• illimité/e = limitless
• impatient/e = impatient
• inacceptable =unacceptable
• Irrévérencieux/irrévérencieuse =  irreverent

15. Mal-/mau-/mé-/més– (unhealthy)

“Mal-/mau-/mé-/més-” refers to a foul state of being. As with “bene-,” its utility is broad. It may possibly embody one thing that’s simply merely unhealthy, like a mistake or a misstep, or it may well indicate a lot darker sentiments, as in one thing that’s evil or “cursed. You’ll need to pay attention for contextual clues if you encounter these prefixes to find out which which means is meant.

• une malédiction = a curse
• mauvais/e = unhealthy
• une méprise = a mistake
• une mésaventure = a misadventure

16. Pré- (earlier than)

“Pré-” signifies one thing that comes earlier than one other motion, thought, or circumstance. The which means is similar in English.

• prélimaire = preliminary
• préalable = prior
• une précommande = a complicated order
• prévisible = predictable

17. R-/re-/ré-/res- (once more)

“R-/re-/ré-/res-” all designate an motion that’s repeated. Generally, you possibly can add it immediately earlier than the phrase like with recommencer (to begin once more). Nevertheless, there are exceptions the place the basis phrase isn’t capable of stand by itself (like “-pétér,” the basis of répéter).

• raccompagner = to stroll again (with somebody)/to take somebody again
• racheter = to purchase again
• redémarrer = to restart (a automobile or equipment)
• répéter = to repeat
• ressembler = to appear to be or resemble

18. Sou-/sous- (below, sub-)

“Sous-/sou-” is characterised by being below or going/coming from beneath one thing else.

• soulever = to boost
• un sous-marin = a submarine
• souterrain = underground

19. Tremendous-/sur- (over, on prime of)

“Sur-/super-” communicates the thought of going over or surpassing a sure threshold in addition to being past one thing else. Phrases like “shock” in French and English are each derived from this similar which means. Surprendre in French actually means “to overhaul,” as we’re “overtaken” by one thing that surprises us. 

• surpayer = to over pay
• une superstition = a superstition
• surprendre = to shock 

20. Trans– (change, cross)

“Trans-” signifies the act of adjusting or crossing from one level or one state to a different. This may seek advice from bodily, emotional, or figurative factors.

• une transaction = a transaction
• transférer = to switch
• transformer = to remodel

Get accustomed to different prefixes in French with Rosetta Stone

Many prefixes in French operate the identical method as their English equivalents. Now that you just’ve realized the commonest, you’ll really feel assured describing one thing the subsequent time you’re wanting to precise a sense or scenario extra succinctly. In the event you’re in search of extra assist to spice up your language studying, you possibly can schedule time with Rosetta Stone’s tutors by the app! 

Written by Micah McCauley

Micah McCauley has years of expertise instructing French to non-native audio system. His profession spans the U.S., France, and China. He’s at the moment a scholar and affiliate teacher of French and Francophone Research. He enjoys composing music, touring, and studying Spanish in his free time.