Prefixes: in- & im-

What Is a Prefix?

A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a word.

It changes the meaning of the base word.

Example:

• happy → unhappy (not happy)

• possible → impossible (not possible)

Prefix in-

Definition:
in- usually means “not” or “opposite of.”

Examples:

• incorrect → not correct

• invisible → not visible

• incomplete → not complete

Sentence examples:

• The answer was incorrect, so I fixed it.

• The magician made the rabbit invisible.

Prefix im-

Definition:
im- also means “not” or “opposite of.”

Examples:

• impossible → not possible

• immature → not mature

• impatient → not patient

Sentence examples:

• Climbing the mountain alone was impossible.

• The child was impatient while waiting in line.

Tip:
We use im- before words that start with m, p, or b.

Compare in- and im-

Sorting Activity – in- or im-

Words: incomplete, impossible, inactive, immature, invisible, impatient